A bill for an act requiring cost-benefit analyses of county jail projects, and including effective date provisions.

SF 2368 requires Iowa counties to conduct a cost comparison study before approving major jail projects (building new facilities, renovating 50%+ of existing space, or expanding jail grounds/structure). The study must compare the cost of building/renovating the county's own jail versus contracting with another county's jail, including specific metrics like prisoner volume (county vs. non-county residents), annual food/medical costs, staffing, equipment expenses, and surrounding counties' jail capacities. All study data must be made public and available at county meetings where the project is considered. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.