GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: Georgia Department of Corrections: Budget & Spending Trends FY2022-FY2027 ============================================================ Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press Generated: 2026-03-17 04:40:53 EDT Research Date: 2026-02-27 Topic: Budget, Policy & Sentencing JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/georgia-department-of-corrections-budget-spending-trends-fy2022-fy2027/?format=json SUMMARY ---------------------------------------- This compilation documents a dramatic escalation in Georgia Department of Corrections spending from FY2022 through FY2027, with total budgets rising from approximately $1.1 billion to nearly $1.8 billion—a 44% increase over four years driven primarily by healthcare contract expansions ($38.9M-$54.8M annual increases), infrastructure/security upgrades ($280M in AFY2025 alone), and staff compensation adjustments. Healthcare spending now represents the fastest-growing cost center, with physical health contract increases alone exceeding $47.8M in FY2027, while the prison population has rebounded from pandemic lows of ~42,795 to nearly 51,000 by early 2024. The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute's analyses highlight that these massive spending increases fail to address financial burdens on incarcerated Georgians—including $5 medical co-pays, commissary price increases, and unpaid prison labor—while regressive revenue streams and expanding carceral policies drive further population growth. STATISTICS (84) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] GDC oversees more than 50,000 offenders serving prison sentences The Georgia Department of Corrections administers the prison sentences of offenders adjudicated by Georgia courts, with more than 50,000 of these offenders serving prison sentences. Value: 50000.0 offenders Tags: demographics,facilities Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] GDC FY2026 Original Budget: $1.712 billion total funds The GDC FY2026 original budget totaled $1,712,067,948 in total funds, comprising $1,695,298,277 in State General Funds, $809,589 in Federal Funds, and $15,960,082 in Other Funds. Value: 1712067948.0 dollars Tags: budget Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] GDC Amended FY2026 Budget: $1.799 billion total funds The GDC Amended FY2026 budget totaled $1,799,204,979 in total funds after $87,137,031 in changes to State General Funds. Value: 1799204979.0 dollars (vs. 1712067948 FY2026 Original Budget) Tags: budget Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] GDC FY2027 Budget: $1.779 billion total funds The GDC FY2027 budget totaled $1,778,839,635 in total funds, comprising $1,762,069,964 in State General Funds, $809,589 in Federal Funds, and $15,960,082 in Other Funds. Value: 1778839635.0 dollars (vs. 1712067948 FY2026 Original Budget) Tags: budget Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] GDC FY2024 Total Expenditures: $1.527 billion GDC actual expenditures in FY2024 totaled $1,526,654,104 across all programs. Value: 1526654104.0 dollars Tags: budget Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] GDC FY2025 Total Expenditures: $1.914 billion GDC actual expenditures in FY2025 totaled $1,913,888,054 across all programs, representing a significant spike from FY2024's $1,526,654,104. Value: 1913888054.0 dollars (vs. 1526654104 FY2024 Expenditures) Tags: budget Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] GDC FY2024 State General Funds: $1.423 billion GDC State General Fund expenditures in FY2024 totaled $1,422,978,935. Value: 1422978935.0 dollars Tags: budget Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] GDC FY2025 State General Funds: $1.824 billion GDC State General Fund expenditures in FY2025 totaled $1,823,730,648, an increase of approximately $401 million from FY2024. Value: 1823730648.0 dollars (vs. 1422978935 FY2024 State General Funds) Tags: budget Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Health program Amended FY2026 budget: $417.3 million The GDC Health program budget for Amended FY2026 totaled $417,255,739, an increase of $39,777,721 from the original FY2026 budget of $377,478,018. Value: 417255739.0 dollars (vs. 377478018 FY2026 Original Health Budget) Tags: budget,medical Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Health program FY2027 budget: $432.2 million The GDC Health program budget for FY2027 totaled $432,247,728, an increase of $54,769,710 from the original FY2026 budget of $377,478,018. Value: 432247728.0 dollars (vs. 377478018 FY2026 Original Health Budget) Tags: budget,medical Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Health program FY2024 actual expenditures: $325.6 million GDC Health program actual expenditures in FY2024 totaled $325,613,120. Value: 325613120.0 dollars Tags: budget,medical Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Health program FY2025 actual expenditures: $389.9 million GDC Health program actual expenditures in FY2025 totaled $389,939,841, an increase of approximately $64.3 million from FY2024. Value: 389939841.0 dollars (vs. 325613120 FY2024 Health Expenditures) Tags: budget,medical Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Amended FY2026 physical health contract increase: $38.9 million For Amended FY2026, the governor's budget increases funds for the physical health contract by $38,869,898, broken down as: per diem increase ($10,946,108), outside-the-wire care ($15,000,000), and opening of additional beds ($12,923,790). Value: 38869898.0 dollars Tags: budget,medical Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Amended FY2026 outside-the-wire healthcare: $15 million The Amended FY2026 budget includes $15,000,000 specifically for outside-the-wire care as part of the physical health contract increase. Value: 15000000.0 dollars Tags: budget,medical Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2027 physical health contract increase: $47.9 million For FY2027, the governor's budget increases funds for the physical health contract by $47,880,895, broken down as: per diem increase ($23,627,395) and opening of additional beds ($24,253,500). Value: 47880895.0 dollars Tags: budget,medical Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Amended FY2026 mental health contract increase: $479,411 For Amended FY2026, the governor's budget increases funds for the mental health contract by $479,411 to increase staffing ratios. Value: 479411.0 dollars Tags: budget,mental_health Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2027 mental health contract increase: $1.9 million For FY2027, the governor's budget increases funds for the mental health contract by $1,917,644 to increase staffing ratios. Value: 1917644.0 dollars (vs. 479411 Amended FY2026 mental health increase) Tags: budget,mental_health Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Amended FY2026 dental health contract increase: $374,587 For Amended FY2026, the governor's budget increases funds for the dental health contract by $374,587 to increase staffing ratios. Value: 374587.0 dollars Tags: budget,medical Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2027 dental health contract increase: $1.5 million For FY2027, the governor's budget increases funds for the dental health contract by $1,498,347 to increase staffing ratios. Value: 1498347.0 dollars (vs. 374587 Amended FY2026 dental health increase) Tags: budget,medical Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2027 pharmacy contract increase: $3.7 million For FY2027, the governor's budget increases funds for the pharmacy contract by $3,681,328 for a per diem increase. Value: 3681328.0 dollars Tags: budget,medical Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Amended FY2026 prior year funds for physical health risk share: $20.4 million The Amended FY2026 budget utilizes prior year funds of $20,402,982 for physical health risk share obligations. Value: 20402982.0 dollars Tags: budget,medical Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] State Prisons FY2025 expenditures spike: $1.117 billion State Prisons program expenditures in FY2025 were $1,117,374,600, a dramatic increase from FY2024's $821,265,828, representing a $296 million year-over-year increase. Value: 1117374600.0 dollars (vs. 821265828 FY2024 State Prisons Expenditures) Tags: budget,facilities Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] State Prisons Amended FY2026 budget: $938.7 million The State Prisons program Amended FY2026 budget totals $938,705,499, including a $36,746,804 increase from the original budget. Value: 938705499.0 dollars Tags: budget,facilities Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] State Prisons FY2027 budget: $914.9 million The State Prisons program FY2027 budget totals $914,864,554. Value: 914864554.0 dollars Tags: budget,facilities Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2027 managed access and drone detection: $13.4 million in new funds For Amended FY2026, the governor's budget increases funds for managed access and drone detection systems to prevent contraband by $13,387,475 in State Prisons. For FY2027, existing funds of $10,793,600 are utilized for these same systems. Value: 13387475.0 dollars Tags: budget,contraband,operations Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2027 additional correctional officer positions: $26.8 million For FY2027, the governor's budget provides $26,824,134 for additional correctional officer positions to improve staff to offender ratios based on improved retention. Value: 26824134.0 dollars (vs. 4982902 Amended FY2026 additional CO positions) Tags: budget,staffing Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2027 Over Watch and Logistics (OWL) Unit funding For FY2027, the governor's budget provides $1,238,495 to annualize personnel for the Over Watch and Logistics (OWL) Unit and $5,521,230 for additional technology costs for the OWL Unit to enhance safety, security, and technology. Value: 6759725.0 dollars Tags: budget,operations,contraband Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2027 security threat group regional coordinators: $377,168 For FY2027, the governor's budget provides $377,168 for three security threat group regional coordinators, with $137,802 in start-up costs funded in Amended FY2026. Value: 377168.0 dollars Tags: budget,gangs,operations Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2027 canine handlers: $624,652 For FY2027, the governor's budget provides $624,652 to increase funds for six canine handlers, with $964,650 in start-up costs funded in Amended FY2026. Value: 624652.0 dollars Tags: budget,contraband,operations Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2027 managed access analysts: $409,040 For FY2027, the governor's budget provides $409,040 for five managed access analysts to support contraband prevention. Value: 409040.0 dollars Tags: budget,contraband,operations Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Private Prisons FY2024 expenditures: $144.3 million Private Prisons program expenditures in FY2024 were $144,251,930. Value: 144251930.0 dollars Tags: budget,facilities Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Private Prisons FY2027 budget: $177.8 million The Private Prisons program FY2027 budget totals $177,767,784, up from $144,251,930 in FY2024 expenditures. Value: 177767784.0 dollars (vs. 144251930 FY2024 Private Prisons Expenditures) Tags: budget,facilities Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2027 expansion of private prison beds: 263 beds at Coffee and Wheeler For FY2027, the governor's budget adds $4,227,620 to add 160 private prison beds at Coffee Correctional Institution and 103 private prison beds at Wheeler Correctional Institution. Value: 263.0 beds Tags: budget,facilities Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Jenkins and Riverbend funding to fully utilize beds: $1.05 million Both Amended FY2026 and FY2027 budgets include $1,054,637 to increase funds for Jenkins Correctional Institution and Riverbend Correctional Institution to fully utilize available beds at the correct tier rate added in HB68 (2025 Session). Value: 1054637.0 dollars Tags: budget,facilities,legal Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Amended FY2026 jail subsidy increase: $6.2 million The Amended FY2026 budget increases funds for jail subsidy payments to local jails for housing Department of Corrections inmates by $6,242,030 under the Offender Management program. Value: 6242030.0 dollars Tags: budget,facilities Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Autry State Prison peer-led programming pilot: $150,000 The Amended FY2026 budget provides $150,000 for a pilot program at Autry State Prison to provide for peer-led programming. Value: 150000.0 dollars Tags: budget,reentry,policy Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Metro Reentry Facility additional programming: $93,179 (AFY2026) and $39,786 (FY2027) The Amended FY2026 budget provides $93,179 and the FY2027 budget provides $39,786 for additional programming at the Metro Reentry Facility. Value: 93179.0 dollars Tags: budget,reentry Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Modular correctional units operations: FY2027 includes food and operations funding The FY2027 budget includes $364,749 for food services at four modular correctional units (Food and Farm Operations) and $1,760,207 for operations at five modular correctional units (State Prisons). The Amended FY2026 budget also includes $182,375 for food services and $880,104 for operations at modular units. Value: 2124956.0 dollars Tags: budget,facilities Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Lee Arrendale State Prison operations increase: $1.54 million Both the Amended FY2026 and FY2027 budgets include $1,542,179 each to increase funds for operations at Lee Arrendale State Prison. Value: 1542179.0 dollars Tags: budget,facilities Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] High school diploma program accreditation: $953,033 For FY2027, the governor's budget provides $953,033 for required staff needed to meet accreditation requirements to operate a high school diploma program, with $93,672 in start-up costs in Amended FY2026. Value: 953033.0 dollars Tags: budget,reentry,policy Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2027 public safety supplies and equipment: $2.45 million The Amended FY2026 budget provides $2,450,500 for the purchase of public safety supplies and equipment for State Prisons. Value: 2450500.0 dollars Tags: budget,operations Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] GBPI FY2025 proposed budget: $1.48 billion For Fiscal Year 2025, Governor Brian Kemp proposed a $1.48 billion budget for the Georgia Department of Corrections, nearly $153 million higher than what was approved initially for FY 2024. Value: 1480000000.0 dollars Tags: budget Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2025 increase over FY2024: nearly $153 million The FY2025 proposed budget is nearly $153 million higher than what was approved initially for FY 2024, primarily attributed to cost-of-living adjustments, maintenance and operations costs, and physical health and pharmacy service contracts. Value: 153000000.0 dollars Tags: budget Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Georgia prison population fell below 43,000 during pandemic Georgia's state prison population fell below 43,000 following pandemic crises that fueled statewide court case delays and decreased the number of individuals experiencing incarceration. Value: 43000.0 incarcerated individuals Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: demographics Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Prison population reached nearly 51,000 by January 2024 By January 2024, Georgia's prison population reached nearly 51,000 incarcerated Georgians, including those under GDC jurisdiction while serving parole or probation. Value: 51000.0 incarcerated individuals (vs. 43000 pandemic low) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: demographics Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections; GDC Profiles of All Inmates Report - [confirmed] Black Georgians represent 58% of prison population Black Georgians continue to represent an outsized 58% share of the state's prison population while comprising only 33 percent of the overall state population, evidence of the state's legacy of slavery, segregation, Jim Crow, racialized criminalization through over-policing, racially biased school punishment, and historic disinvestments in communities of color. Value: 58.0 percent (vs. 33 Black share of Georgia overall population) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: demographics Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Amended FY2024: $7 million for $1,000 staff bonus The Amended FY2024 budget includes $7 million to provide a $1,000 bonus to eligible, full-time GDC staff. Value: 7000000.0 dollars Tags: budget,staffing Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Amended FY2024: $6.1 million for recruiting and culture review The Amended FY2024 budget includes $6.1 million to fund a recruiting campaign and agency work culture review for GDC. Value: 6100000.0 dollars Tags: budget,staffing Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Amended FY2024: $65.3 million for physical health and pharmacy contracts The Amended FY2024 budget includes $65.3 million to increase funds for physical health and pharmacy services contracts. Value: 65300000.0 dollars Tags: budget,medical Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Amended FY2024: $5.6 million for safety, security and technology The Amended FY2024 budget includes $5.6 million in increased funds for safety, security and technology initiatives. Value: 5600000.0 dollars Tags: budget,operations,contraband Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Amended FY2024: $4.7 million for 400 transition center beds The Amended FY2024 budget includes $4.7 million to fund operational costs to add 400 transition center beds. Value: 4700000.0 dollars Tags: budget,facilities,reentry Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2025: $71.9 million for physical health and pharmacy contracts The FY2025 budget includes $71.9 million to increase funds for physical health and pharmacy services contracts. Value: 71900000.0 dollars Tags: budget,medical Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2025: $21.2 million for 4% COLA for eligible staff The FY2025 budget includes $21.2 million to provide 4% cost-of-living adjustments for eligible full-time state employees, not to exceed $3,000 per employee. Value: 21200000.0 dollars Tags: budget,staffing Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2025: $21.6 million for POST-certified officer salary increases The FY2025 budget includes $21.6 million to provide $3,000 salary increases for POST-certified law enforcement officers. Value: 21600000.0 dollars Tags: budget,staffing Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2025: $17.5 million for capital maintenance and repairs The FY2025 budget includes $17.5 million for capital maintenance and repairs. Value: 17500000.0 dollars Tags: budget,facilities Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2025: $10 million for 400 transition center bed operations The FY2025 budget includes $10 million to provide a year's worth of projected funds to cover ongoing operational costs to add 400 transition center beds. Value: 10000000.0 dollars Tags: budget,facilities,reentry Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2025: $6.9 million for 200 temporary beds at Coffee and Wheeler The FY2025 budget includes $6.9 million to provide 200 temporary beds at Coffee and Wheeler state prisons to allow for maintenance and repairs. Value: 6900000.0 dollars Tags: budget,facilities Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2025: $1.2 million for additional weekend meals The FY2025 budget includes $1.2 million to provide additional meals on weekends. Value: 1200000.0 dollars Tags: budget,conditions Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2025: $172,000 for vocational education contracts The FY2025 budget includes $172,000 to increase funds for state technical college system vocational education contracts. Value: 172000.0 dollars Tags: budget,reentry Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Nearly $220 million in added spending for AFY 2024 and FY 2025 Despite nearly $220 million in proposed added spending for AFY 2024 and FY 2025, GBPI finds these priorities continue to ignore the multi-million-dollar financial burdens placed on Georgians experiencing incarceration and their loved ones. Value: 220000000.0 dollars Tags: budget Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] GBPI FY2026 proposed budget: $1.62 billion For Fiscal Year 2026, Governor Brian Kemp proposed a $1.62 billion budget for the Georgia Department of Corrections, $125 million higher than what was approved for FY 2025. Value: 1620000000.0 dollars Tags: budget Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Corrections - [estimated] Governor Kemp proposals total ~$500 million across AFY2025 and FY2026 Governor Kemp's current proposals total roughly $500 million in added spending for AFY 2025 and FY 2026. Value: 500000000.0 dollars Tags: budget Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] AFY2025: $280 million for infrastructure, technology, and security The Amended FY2025 budget includes $280 million in additional funds to support new infrastructure projects, technology upgrades and security improvements. Value: 280000000.0 dollars Tags: budget,facilities,operations Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] AFY2025: $66 million for healthcare contract expansion The Amended FY2025 budget includes $66 million in additional funds to expand prison health contracts to include mental, dental, physical and pharmacy services for incarcerated Georgians. Value: 66000000.0 dollars Tags: budget,medical Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] AFY2025: $17 million for workforce marketing, training, and retention The Amended FY2025 budget includes a $17 million increase to boost marketing, training and workforce retention efforts among corrections staff. Value: 17000000.0 dollars Tags: budget,staffing Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] AFY2025: $1.2 million for technical and vocational education expansion The Amended FY2025 budget includes a $1.2 million increase to expand contracts for technical and vocational education programs and purchase related education equipment. Value: 1200000.0 dollars Tags: budget,reentry Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2026: $50 million for infrastructure, technology, and security The FY2026 budget includes a $50 million increase to support new infrastructure projects, technology upgrades and security improvements. Value: 50000000.0 dollars Tags: budget,facilities,operations Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2026: $31 million for healthcare contract expansion The FY2026 budget includes a $31 million increase to expand prison health contracts to include mental, dental, physical and pharmacy services for incarcerated Georgians. Value: 31000000.0 dollars Tags: budget,medical Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2026: $23 million for staff compensation The FY2026 budget includes $23 million in additional funds to provide salary increases and make job promotion system changes for eligible corrections staff. Value: 23000000.0 dollars Tags: budget,staffing Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Prison population as of January 31, 2025: 49,828 According to GDC Friday Reports, the number of people incarcerated in GDC was 49,828 as of January 31, 2025. Value: 49828.0 incarcerated individuals Date: 2025-01-31 Tags: demographics Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Corrections; GDC Friday Reports - [confirmed] GBPI Budget Primer: GDC FY2025 budget $1.5 billion The GDC FY2025 budget totals $1.5 billion, with a year-over-year increase of $166 million from FY2024 to FY2025. Value: 1500000000.0 dollars Tags: budget Sources: GBPI: Criminal Legal Systems Budget Primer FY2025 - [confirmed] Two-year increase FY2023 to FY2025: $214 million The two-year budget increase from FY2023 to FY2025 totals $214 million. Value: 214000000.0 dollars Tags: budget Sources: GBPI: Criminal Legal Systems Budget Primer FY2025 - [estimated] Custody population approximately 51,000 in 2023 The GDC custody population in 2023 was approximately 51,000 individuals, having largely remained unchanged over a 20-year period. Value: 51000.0 individuals Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: demographics Sources: GBPI: Criminal Legal Systems Budget Primer FY2025 - [confirmed] FY2025 prison safety and infrastructure: nearly $52 million The FY2025 budget includes nearly $52 million for prison safety and infrastructure. Value: 52000000.0 dollars Tags: budget,facilities Sources: GBPI: Criminal Legal Systems Budget Primer FY2025 - [confirmed] FY2025 staff pay increases: nearly $43 million The FY2025 budget includes nearly $43 million to increase GDC staff pay. Value: 43000000.0 dollars Tags: budget,staffing Sources: GBPI: Criminal Legal Systems Budget Primer FY2025 - [confirmed] FY2025 health and pharmacy contracts: nearly $72 million increase The FY2025 budget includes a nearly $72 million increase in health and pharmacy contracts. Value: 72000000.0 dollars Tags: budget,medical Sources: GBPI: Criminal Legal Systems Budget Primer FY2025 - [confirmed] Fees collected from incarcerated individuals: over $10 million annually Fees collected from incarcerated individuals total more than $10 million annually for each of the last 3 years. Value: 10000000.0 dollars annually Tags: budget,conditions Sources: GBPI: Criminal Legal Systems Budget Primer FY2025 - [confirmed] Daily incarceration cost: $86.61 per person (FY2024) The daily cost of incarcerating one person in Georgia is $86.61 as of FY2024. Value: 86.61 dollars per person per day Tags: budget Sources: GPS analysis: Cost per Inmate - [confirmed] Annual cost per inmate: $31,612 The annual cost of incarcerating one person in Georgia is $31,612. Value: 31612.0 dollars per year Tags: budget Sources: GPS analysis: Cost per Inmate - [estimated] Total annual operating cost for ~50,000 prisoners: ~$1.5 billion The total annual operating cost for approximately 50,000 prisoners is approximately $1.5 billion. Value: 1500000000.0 dollars Tags: budget Sources: GPS analysis: Cost per Inmate - [estimated] Medical costs for inmates over 65: $8,500/year vs $950/year younger Medical costs for incarcerated individuals over 65 average $8,500 per year compared to $950 per year for younger inmates, a ratio of approximately 9 to 1. Value: 8500.0 dollars per year (vs. 950 annual medical cost for younger inmates) Tags: budget,medical,demographics Sources: GPS analysis: Cost per Inmate - [estimated] Cost of increased length of stay: ~$1.1 billion annually The cost of increased length of stay alone is approximately $1.1 billion annually. Value: 1100000000.0 dollars annually Tags: budget,policy Sources: GPS analysis: Cost per Inmate - [confirmed] FY2027 food contract increases: $528,167 For FY2027, the governor's budget includes $528,167 in increased funds for food contracts within State Prisons. Value: 528167.0 dollars Tags: budget,conditions Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2027 inmate assignment decision support system: $257,800 For FY2027, the governor's budget includes $257,800 for maintenance and support of the inmate assignment decision support system under Offender Management, with $125,892 in Amended FY2026. Value: 257800.0 dollars Tags: budget,operations Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections POLICYS (6) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Amended FY2026 one-time salary supplement: $2,000 per full-time employee The Amended FY2026 budget provides a one-time salary supplement of $2,000 to full-time, regular state employees across all GDC programs, totaling $12,050,341 for State Prisons alone. Tags: budget,staffing Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] FY2027 State Health Benefit Plan employer rate reduction: 29.454% to 20.264% The FY2027 budget reduces funds across all GDC programs to reflect a reduction in the employer contribution rate for the State Health Benefit Plan from 29.454% to 20.264%, resulting in savings of $28,375,825 in State Prisons alone. Tags: budget,staffing,policy Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] GDC $5 medical co-pay for incarcerated people According to GDC's handbook, incarcerated people are charged a $5 medical co-pay for requested health services and medications that GDC deems as necessary. GDC states it will charge someone with a debt instead of denying them care if they cannot afford a co-pay. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: medical,conditions,policy Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] RSAT is a nine-month intensive substance abuse program Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Centers operate a nine-month, highly structured program targeting high risk, high needs inmates nearing release, probationers sentenced by the courts, parole revocators and other court or GDC-referred inmates who have a need for intensive substance abuse programming. Tags: drugs,reentry,policy Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] ITF is a nine-month co-occurring disorders treatment program Integrated Treatment Facilities (ITF) operate a nine-month, highly structured program that actively combines interventions intended to address both mental health and substance abuse issues in persons with co-occurring disorders. Tags: mental_health,drugs,policy Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections - [confirmed] GDC reopened facility as Metro Atlanta re-entry facility GDC has reopened a state prison facility remissioned to function as a re-entry facility for the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on rehabilitating offenders to achieve recidivism reduction and accommodate re-entry needs. Tags: reentry,facilities Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections TRENDS (7) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Three-year trend of rising state prison spending (FY2023-FY2025) The FY2025 budget proposals mark a three-year trend in rising state prison spending, serving as fiscal responses to acute safety and staffing concerns while incentivizing long-term growth in prison populations. Tags: budget,staffing,violence Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Deal administration reforms reduced Black incarceration from 62% to 53% Criminal legal system reforms from Georgia Governor Nathan Deal helped reduce the number and percentage of Black Georgians experiencing incarceration from 62% in 2009 to 53% in 2017. Tags: demographics,policy Sources: Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Number of African-Americans sent to Georgia prisons hits historic lows - [confirmed] Four-year trend: 44% increase in prison spending FY2022-FY2026 If the proposed FY2026 budget is passed, it would represent annual spending levels nearly $500 million higher than FY 2022, a 44% increase in prison spending from FY 2022 to FY 2026. Tags: budget Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Corrections - [estimated] 20-year cost growth: approximately 70% increase in prison operations Over the past 20 years, prison operation costs have increased by approximately 70%. Tags: budget Sources: GBPI: Criminal Legal Systems Budget Primer FY2025 - [estimated] Prison population largely unchanged over 20 years despite 70% cost growth Despite a 70% increase in prison operation costs over 20 years, the custody population has largely remained unchanged over the same period at approximately 51,000. Tags: budget,demographics Sources: GBPI: Criminal Legal Systems Budget Primer FY2025 - [confirmed] Health spending increased approximately 40% since FY2022 GDC health spending has increased approximately 40% since FY2022. Tags: budget,medical Sources: GBPI: Criminal Legal Systems Budget Primer FY2025 - [confirmed] GDC population trend: 43,788 (Jan 2021) to 49,160 (2024) to 49,828 (Jan 2025) The GDC incarcerated population moved from 43,788 in January 2021, dipped to 42,795, then rose to 49,160 by early 2024 and 49,828 by January 31, 2025, according to GDC Friday Reports. Tags: demographics Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Corrections; GDC Friday Reports FINDINGS (8) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Phone and mail fees generate millions in annual commission revenue Incarcerated individuals are burdened with phone and mail communication fees, which provide millions of dollars in annual commission revenue for the state. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: conditions,budget Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] FY2021 $5 million commissary spending cut shifted costs to incarcerated people Incarcerated Georgians bear increased prices of basic necessities like hygiene products due to a more than $5 million spending cut in FY 2021, effectively shifting costs to prisoners and their families. Tags: budget,conditions Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections; GBPI: Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] GBPI: Budget fails to address unpaid prison labor subsidizing profits Many incarcerated Georgians are forced to perform unpaid labor that subsidizes public and private profits, manufacturing goods that could land in the stores of countless retailers through complex supply chains, yet budget spending fails to address this. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: conditions,policy Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Budget fails to prioritize accommodations for incarcerated women GBPI notes that the added spending fails to prioritize and appropriate for humane accommodations for the varied, rising and specific needs incarcerated women and birthing people experience—including postpartum pumping rooms, lactation programs and child-friendly spaces for children visiting parents experiencing incarceration. Tags: conditions,policy,medical Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Unaffordable co-pays deter healthcare seeking and worsen illness Unaffordable co-pays or the threat of incurring debt can carry health and fiscal consequences, including deterring incarcerated Georgians from seeking care, increasing the likelihood that illnesses can spread or worsen, and increasing the likelihood that subsequent care will be more expensive. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: medical,conditions Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Corrections; Prison Policy Initiative: The steep cost of medical co-pays in prison - [reported] No fiscal proposals address incarcerated Georgians' healthcare access Despite proposals to add nearly $100 million over AFY 2025 and FY 2026 to increase prison health contract spending to match a rising prison population, no fiscal proposals specifically address incarcerated Georgians' ongoing prison health access challenges. Tags: medical,policy,budget Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Multi-year effort for single-person cells and lock upgrades GDC FY2026 fiscal proposals address several acute safety and staffing issues, including a multi-year effort to create single-person cells, upgrade damaged or faulty locks across facilities, utilize added technology to combat the flow of prison contraband and increase bed capacity in private prisons. Tags: facilities,conditions,contraband,violence Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] GBPI: Criminal legal spending growth reinforced by over-policing and fines/fees dependence Georgia's accelerated pace of prison spending is in tandem with its accelerated pace of growth in criminal legal system policies that place more Georgians under carceral control and debt. This pace is also reinforced by over-policing and state and local dependence on fines and fees revenue streams tied to criminal legal system entanglement. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: budget,policy Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Corrections LEGAL FACTS (2) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] SB 63 would expand pre-trial detention and reduce legal representation One of the latest legislative proposals supported by Governor Kemp is Senate Bill 63 which, if passed, would expand pre-trial detention and reduce access to legal representation, potentially reversing criminal justice reforms from the Deal administration. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] GDC authority: Titles 9, 17, and 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated The Georgia Department of Corrections operates under the authority of Titles 9, 17, and 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. Tags: legal Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections CASE DETAILS (1) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] CoreCivic and GEO Group operate private prisons in Georgia CoreCivic and GEO Group, Inc. own and operate select facilities in the state. Like state prisons, these facilities are typically reserved for felony offenders with more than one year of incarceration to serve. Tags: facilities Sources: Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections DATASETS (7) ---------------------------------------- # GDC Total Fund Expenditures and Budgets by Fiscal Year Total funds across all GDC programs from FY2024 actual expenditures through FY2027 budget, including original, amended, and projected figures. Fiscal Year/Period Total Funds ------------------------------------- FY2024 Expenditures 1526654104 FY2025 Expenditures 1913888054 FY2026 Original Budget 1712067948 FY2026 Amended Budget 1799204979 FY2027 Budget 1778839635 # GDC State General Fund Expenditures and Budgets by Fiscal Year State General Funds for GDC from FY2024 actual expenditures through FY2027 budget. Fiscal Year/Period State General Funds --------------------------------------------- FY2024 Expenditures 1422978935 FY2025 Expenditures 1823730648 FY2026 Original Budget 1695298277 FY2026 Amended Budget 1782435308 FY2027 Budget 1762069964 # GDC Program-Level Total Funds by Fiscal Year Breakdown of GDC total funds by program category from FY2024 expenditures through FY2027 budget. Program FY2024 Expenditures FY2025 Expenditures FY2026 Original Budget FY2026 Amended Budget FY2027 Budget ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Departmental Administration 45334401 49517997 41937924 42437420 40300936 Detention Centers 70507282 75822744 77797935 79264128 74646304 Food and Farm Operations 30914139 31748617 30918178 31137154 31208029 Health 325613120 389939841 377478018 417255739 432247728 Offender Management 45809237 50538361 58596973 65094075 58614564 Private Prisons 144251930 152648138 172485527 173540164 177767784 State Prisons 821265828 1117374600 901958695 938705499 914864554 Transition Centers 42958167 46297756 50894698 51770800 49189736 # GDC Fund Sources by Fiscal Year Breakdown of GDC funding sources (Federal, Other, State General) from FY2024 expenditures through FY2027 budget. Fund Source FY2024 Expenditures FY2025 Expenditures FY2026 Original Budget FY2026 Amended Budget FY2027 Budget ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal Funds 3022249 3309597 809589 809589 809589 Other Funds 100652921 86847809 15960082 15960082 15960082 State General Funds 1422978935 1823730648 1695298277 1782435308 1762069964 # GDC Incarcerated Population Trend (Key Points) Key population data points for the GDC incarcerated population from 2021 to 2025, from GDC Friday Reports as cited by GBPI. Date Incarcerated Population ---------------------------------------------------------- 2021-01-22 43788 2021 (low point) 42795 2024-02 (approx) 49160 2024-01 (incl parole/probation) 51000 2025-01-31 49828 # Amended FY2026 Budget Changes by Program Total changes to each GDC program in the Amended FY2026 budget. Program Change Amount -------------------------------------------- Departmental Administration 499496 Detention Centers 1466193 Food and Farm Operations 218976 Health 39777721 Offender Management 6497102 Private Prisons 1054637 State Prisons 36746804 Transition Centers 876102 # FY2027 Budget Changes by Program Total changes to each GDC program in the FY2027 budget (from FY2026 original baseline). Program Change Amount -------------------------------------------- Departmental Administration -1636988 Detention Centers -3151631 Food and Farm Operations 289851 Health 54769710 Offender Management 17591 Private Prisons 5282257 State Prisons 12905859 Transition Centers -1704962 KEY ENTITIES (22) ---------------------------------------- - Autry State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison with GCI shoe/boot manufacturing and garment operations. - Brian Kemp [person]: Governor of Georgia who proposed $600 million in emergency spending over 18 months for prison reform in January 2025. (aka: Governor Kemp) - Clayton Transition Center [facility]: Transition center receiving increased rent funding in the GDC budget. - Coffee Correctional Institution [facility]: Private prison facility in Georgia slated to add 160 beds in FY 2027. - CoreCivic [organization]: Private prison company that owns and operates select prison facilities in Georgia under contract with GDC. - GEO Group [organization]: Private prison company that owns and operates select prison facilities in Georgia under contract with GDC. (aka: GEO Group, Inc.) - Georgia Budget and Policy Institute [organization]: Georgia-based policy research organization that published the FY2025 criminal legal systems budget primer and the Labor Day 2022 analysis of Georgia's correctional control. (aka: GBPI) - Georgia Correctional Industries [organization]: Manufacturing operation within GDC where inmates perform factory work in manufacturing plants. - Georgia Department of Corrections [organization]: State agency responsible for operating Georgia's prison system. Subject of federal DOJ investigation in 2022-2023 for constitutional violations including food-related deaths. (aka: GDC) - Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council [organization]: Separate state agency that investigates some cases of involuntary GDC officer terminations, suspensions, and alleged criminal involvement (aka: POST) - HB68 [legislation]: Georgia House Bill 68 from the 2025 legislative session that added a correct tier rate for private prison beds at Jenkins and Riverbend Correctional Institutions. (aka: HB68 (2025 Session)) - Jenkins Correctional Institution [facility]: Private prison facility in Georgia receiving increased funding to fully utilize available beds. - LaGrange Transition Center [facility]: Transition center receiving increased rent funding in the GDC budget. - Lee Arrendale State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where drug-coated paper was found being passed in November 2025. - Metro Reentry Facility [facility]: A reopened state prison facility remissioned to function as a re-entry facility for the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on recidivism reduction. (aka: Re-Entry Facility) - Nathan Deal [person]: Former Georgia Governor (2011-2019) whose justice reinvestment reforms (2012-2015) resulted in a 6% prison population decrease, $264M in averted costs, and $57M reinvested. (aka: Governor Deal) - Over Watch and Logistics Unit [program]: GDC unit focused on safety, security, and technology enhancement, receiving personnel annualization and technology funding in FY 2027. (aka: OWL Unit, OWL) - Ray Khalfani [person]: Senior Analyst for Worker Justice and Criminal Legal Systems at the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, author of GBPI's FY2025 and FY2026 GDC budget overviews. - Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Centers [program]: Nine-month, highly structured program targeting high risk, high needs inmates with substance abuse programming needs (aka: RSAT, RSAT Centers) - Riverbend Correctional Institution [facility]: Private prison facility in Georgia receiving increased funding to fully utilize available beds. - Senate Bill 63 [legislation]: Legislative proposal supported by Governor Kemp that would expand pre-trial detention and reduce access to legal representation. (aka: SB 63) - Wheeler Correctional Institution [facility]: Private prison facility in Georgia slated to add 103 beds in FY 2027. SOURCES (9) ---------------------------------------- - Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Number of African-Americans sent to Georgia prisons hits historic lows, Atlanta Journal-Constitution by B. Rankin (2018-01-25) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.ajc.com/news/local/proportion-black-people-sent-state-prison-hits-historic-lows/kSVudQ2MbdLJHu4WUWmtxJ/ - GBPI: Criminal Legal Systems Budget Primer FY2025, Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (2024-01-01) [academic, secondary] - GBPI: Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Budget and Policy Institute by Ray Khalfani (2024-01-01) [academic, secondary] - GBPI: Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Budget and Policy Institute by Ray Khalfani (2025-01-01) [academic, secondary] - GDC Friday Reports, Georgia Department of Corrections by Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] - GDC Profiles of All Inmates Report, Georgia Department of Corrections by Georgia Department of Corrections (2024-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/profile-all-inmates-during-2024 - Governor's FY2026-FY2027 Budget: Department of Corrections, Governor's Budget Report Amended FY 2026 and FY 2027 by Office of the Governor of Georgia (2025-01-01) [official_report, primary] - GPS analysis: Cost per Inmate, Georgia Prisoners' Speak (2024-01-01) [gps_original, secondary] - Prison Policy Initiative: The steep cost of medical co-pays in prison, Prison Policy Initiative by Wendy Sawyer (2017-04-19) [academic, secondary] URL: https://www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2017/04/19/copays/