Tribes could offer tax-free bonds to pay for detention facilities under a bill introduced by Sen. Max Baucus (D-Montana).

Tribes could pay for new jails or make improvements using the interest on the bonds. Investors would receive tax credits at an amount set by the Treasury Department.

The bill requires that 95 percent of the money raised by the bonds be spent on building or repairing Indian jails. The maximum life of the bonds would be 10 years. Investors receive their money back at the end of the term.

Baucus offered the bill as one way to address overcrowding and poor conditions at Indian Country detention facilities. Tribes say they have been waiting far too long for federal funding.

Get the Story:
Baucus offers plan for Indian jails (AP 10/8)
Bond idea pushed for Indian jails (The Missoulian 10/8)
Bill would boost jails in Indian Country (The Great Falls Tribune 10/8)

Inspector General Final Jail Report:
Text | PDF

Inspector General Interim Jail Report:
Text | PDF

Department of Justice Jail Reports:
Year 2002 | Year 2001 | Year 2000 | Years 1998-1999

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