(1) The Department of Corrections may not seek authorization for construction or expansion of new correctional facilities or expansion of existing correctional facilities in this state unless the department:
(a) Has evaluated the availability and cost of using correctional facilities outside this state; and
(b) Has determined that constructing new correctional facilities, including costs of debt service and infrastructure improvements, or expanding existing correctional facilities in this state is less expensive than using correctional facilities outside this state after considering constitutional requirements, requirements of state law and available programs that enhance the likelihood of offenders successfully functioning in society upon release.
(2) If the Department of Corrections determines that using appropriate correctional facilities outside this state is less expensive than constructing new correctional facilities, including costs of debt service and infrastructure improvements, or expanding existing correctional facilities, the department shall use correctional facilities outside this state.