On April 29, 2025, Governor Greg Gianforte attended a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction on three new low-security housing units at the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge. The project is funded by $156 million allocated by the 2023 Legislature, with further expansion proposals for $436 million already approved this year to address ongoing overcrowding issues.

“These new units will replace outdated facilities and increase the prison's capacity by 117 beds,” said Gianforte during the event. “The reality is, we just need more beds.”

The Montana Department of Corrections currently reports a population of 1,553 inmates at the state prison, exceeding its operational capacity by 27. The overcrowding problem has led to over 600 inmates being housed out of state, primarily in Arizona and Mississippi.

Rep. John Fitzpatrick, who introduced the 2023 legislation funding the expansion, reflected on his long history with the facility. “I was around here when the old prison was still in operation and when this facility was built for the first time,” Fitzpatrick said at the ceremony. “Fifty years later, I’d be back in the corrections business carrying House Bill 817 in the last session.”

In addition to the new housing units, $56 million from the 2023 bill has been allocated for infrastructure improvements, such as fence enhancements and emergency systems. Fitzpatrick has also sponsored additional legislation this year, including House Bill 833, which proposes $250 million for a new prison, and House Bill 5, which secures funding for two more housing units and other infrastructure improvements at the prison.

While some legislative proposals have faced opposition, such as concerns over the contract with prison company CoreCivic, Gianforte maintains that these steps are vital for addressing overcrowding. “This is a step in the right direction,” he remarked at the groundbreaking event.

Fitzpatrick’s efforts, combined with support from the 2025 Legislature, also aim to address the challenges associated with housing inmates in local jails and out-of-state facilities. Key bills like House Bill 707, which mandates consideration of inmates’ family ties when transferring prisoners out of state, are awaiting the governor’s signature.

Originally reported by Zeke in Montana Free Press.