The Alaska House of Representatives rejected a proposal Tuesday to cut funding increases for regional jails despite data showing many facilities operate at extremely low capacity.

Amendment 56 failed on a 16-24 vote. The measure would have reduced a proposed funding increase for regional and community jail contracts, maintaining current spending levels instead of boosting the budget from $9 million to $14 million.

The amendment sponsor said the cut made fiscal sense given utilization rates across Alaska's regional jail system. "We do not need to increase their budget by over 30 to 40% when there is only 22% utilization across the state for all of these particular facilities," the representative stated during floor debate.

Multiple facilities have operated at zero percent capacity for years, some for a full decade, according to the amendment supporter. The representative argued the funding reduction would push the Department of Corrections to standardize contracts that currently vary wildly in terms and costs.

Daily rates for housing inmates range from $78 to $350 across different facilities. Maximum hold periods vary from seven to 30 days depending on the contract. "Bringing some of that money back will help the DOC standardize those contracts and allow us to be better stewards of what we have," the representative noted.

The amendment would not have cut current spending levels but rather reduced the size of the proposed increase. The sponsor emphasized the Department of Corrections would still receive additional funding under the modified proposal.

Low utilization rates stem from various factors including Alaska's geographic challenges, seasonal population fluctuations in remote communities, and changes in crime patterns. The proposed funding increase aims to maintain jail capacity across the state's vast territory, ensuring facilities remain available when needed despite irregular usage patterns.

The House also considered Amendment 57, which would have redirected $500,000 in expected unspent broadband grant funds to literacy programs. The amendment sponsor argued the reallocation would support districts not covered by existing federal literacy grants, noting that only about half of Alaska's school districts currently qualify for federal literacy assistance.

Another representative opposed the literacy amendment, questioning the wisdom of using one-time broadband funds for ongoing education programs. "We are taking away from broadband, lapsed funds from broadband for one-time spending. I am not sure that that is the best way to fund anything," the representative said.

The House approved Amendment 58, which adds intent language requiring departments to use funding from unfilled positions primarily for salaries and benefits rather than bonuses, overtime, or seasonal employee extensions. The amendment addresses $101 million in vacant positions that have remained unfilled for more than six months statewide.

Amendment 59, seeking $15,000 for maintenance of a ferry dock in Coffman Cove on Prince of Wales Island, drew opposition from one representative. The lawmaker argued the community should apply through the existing Municipal Harbor Grants Program rather than receive special funding outside the established process.

The House adjourned until Friday at 10:30 a.m.