It's the 2026 Legislative wrap-up episode of our podcast!

This past legislative session came to a wrap with some key “Win’s” for the Utah Department of Corrections. We started the session prepared to cut 5% from our budget and we ended with great support from the Governor and Legislature.

This episode features Utah Department of Corrections' Executive Director Jared Garcia and Public Affairs Director Rich Piatt, along with guests are Carolina Herrin, UDC’s Legislative Affairs Director, and Jeff Mottishaw, Director of Administrative Operations and Quality.

What is the future of corrections and criminal justice?

In a few short years, the Utah Department of Corrections has demonstrated there's a better way to transform lives in the criminal justice system than "the way it's always been done."

Utah is poised to lead the way in fostering safer communities and providing opportunities for individuals to improve...through first-of-their-kind programs, innovation based on research-backed approaches, embracing emerging technologies, a strong relationship with the Utah State Legislature, and the commitment of a well-trained staff who believe in the work they do.

Utah Department of Corrections Executive Director Jared Garcia and Communications Director Richard Piatt, along with guest Utah State Senator Derrin Owens, bring their expertise to the topic on this episode of the Conversations with Corrections podcast.

The Utah Department of Corrections is in the midst of transformational change—and more is coming. We’ll be talking about what’s to come in future podcasts, but, on this episode of the Conversations with Corrections podcast, we are focusing on what’s been done and what’s underway. Richard Piatt, Communication Director for UDC, is joined by Executive Director Jared Garcia and Deputy Executive Director Spencer Turley to zoom in on how UDC has transformed Prison Operations in 2025.