This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to clarify the financial responsibilities of counties regarding the operation of jails under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. It continues the administration of special revenue funds previously managed by the Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority, specifying that these funds are to be used solely for jail operations and related expenses. Notably, the bill introduces a provision that limits a county's financial responsibility for housing costs when an inmate is sentenced to time served, stating that the state will reimburse the county for these costs from the date of indictment.

Additionally, the bill outlines the structure for calculating per diem costs for inmate incarceration, establishing a base rate and a tiered payment system based on the proportion of inmate days per county. It also mandates that counties keep detailed records of inmate incarceration times to ensure accurate billing. The legislation aims to provide clearer guidelines for funding and operational responsibilities, ultimately reducing the financial burden on counties in specific circumstances related to inmate sentencing.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15A-3-16