House approves supplemental bills for prisons, juvenile services

[Informer]

House approves supplemental bills for prisons, juvenile services

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Emergency funding bills for state prisons and juvenile facilities are on the way to Gov. Brad Henry's desk.

The Oklahoma House gave final legislative approval to the legislation Monday. They were passed by the state Senate last week.

One measure makes a $24 million emergency appropriation so the Department of Corrections can pay bills tied to a growing inmate population. The House voted 100-0 for the measure.

Prison officials say the money will mainly pay for contract beds to house inmates in private prisons, county jails and halfway houses.

In addition, the financially strapped Office of Juvenile Affairs will get $2 million to help with its budget needs for the rest of the fiscal year ending June 30. House members approved that bill 99-0.

[vcs]

There is that private prison word again.