Federal rules prohibited the state from putting up a new building for the program. Two provisions governing how the state decides where to put the centers are still in play as the Legislature wraps up this year's session. One directs the Department of Corrections to work with local government to pick sites but leaves the final decision up to the department. Klein included a provision in the final House budget bill that would give local governments the final say. He said he would agree to withdraw that provision if the city and the state reach agreement on a site.
City officials continue to work on a local set of rules for placement of the centers.
The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission has recommended allowing them only in industrial areas and then only if they are more than 750 feet from a residential area. The centers also would have to get a special zoning permit. The proposed rules would not allow a day-reporting center near schools, parks, businesses that cater to children and facilities that serve disabled people, among other things. City Council members may decide whether to adopt the regulations within the next two weeks.