Missoula, MT— As Montana’s 2025 legislative session progresses, the state’s growing prison overcrowding problem remains a central issue. Lawmakers are considering a range of bills that would allocate over $400 million in state funds to expand and renovate the state’s correctional facilities.
Governor Greg Gianforte’s budget proposal outlined the severity of the overcrowding issue, noting that men’s prisons are operating at 5% over capacity, while women’s facilities are over by 14%. Projections indicate the state will need 1,300 additional beds for male inmates and 230 for female inmates by 2044.
On Tuesday, the Montana Senate gave initial approval to House Bill 833, a key piece of legislation aimed at tackling the prison capacity crisis. The bill, sponsored by Rep. John Fitzpatrick, R-Anaconda, sets aside a total of $250 million for prison system assessments and future expansion. Of that amount, $4 million will be used for evaluating the current state of the prison system and planning for improvements, while $246 million will fund renovations and the construction of new facilities, with a particular focus on providing more space for female offenders.
Senator John Esp, R-Big Timber, a strong supporter of the bill, emphasized the importance of addressing the state’s prison overcrowding. “What this bill does is it recognizes the fact that we need beds,” he explained. “It sets aside money to try to figure out the most economic or thoughtful way to go forward with getting beds.”
The state’s prisons have already been feeling the strain, with dozens of inmates currently housed in county jails while they await space at Montana State Prison in Billings. To ease the immediate pressure, the state is also exploring the possibility of converting the Riverside Special Needs Unit in Boulder—currently used to house male inmates with long-term medical needs—into a facility for female prisoners. However, Esp acknowledged that such a move would only provide a short-term solution, with long-term options still needed.
Looking ahead, Esp noted that in the next four to five years, the state would likely see greater capacity at Deer Lodge for male prisoners. He added, “We need to do the same with female prisoners.”
In addition to House Bill 833, lawmakers are also advancing House Bill 5, which includes another $150 million in funding for two new lower-security housing pods at Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge. The expansion would add 512 beds, helping to alleviate overcrowding for male inmates. The funding for these new pods follows the $150 million allocated in the 2023 session to rebuild existing housing units at the facility.
House Bill 5 has already passed through the Senate Finance and Claims Committee and is expected to be considered by the full Senate soon.
Further addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, the Senate also gave initial approval to House Bill 643, which would provide state funding to reimburse counties for housing individuals awaiting court-ordered mental health evaluations or placement in state hospitals. The bill passed the Senate with a 48-2 vote and was amended during the process, meaning it will return to the House for final consideration.
With the passage of these key bills, Montana lawmakers are making significant strides in addressing the state’s prison overcrowding issues. House Bill 833, in particular, will head to Governor Gianforte’s desk for final approval if it clears the Senate’s final vote.
While the bills represent a substantial investment in the state’s correctional infrastructure, they also highlight the growing need for a comprehensive strategy to manage not only prison overcrowding but also mental health challenges within the justice system.
As the session moves forward, the state’s prison system is likely to remain a focal point in Montana’s legislative debates.
