Requires the department of public safety to outsource food service programs at correctional facilities statewide by competitive bid meeting certain criteria, including that no state employees will be displaced.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that many states across the nation have out-sourced food service programs within their correctional facilities, representing combined savings of upwards of $50,000,000. Additionally, in excess of two hundred fifty counties across the country have out-sourced food service within their jails, amounting to an average annual savings of ten to twenty per cent. While safety and security are of paramount importance, correctional food service programs can be out-sourced without compromising either safety or security.

SECTION 2. The department of public safety shall undertake efforts to out-source food service programs for the correctional facilities by competitive bid. Bid criteria shall include, but not be limited to, requirements that no state employees will be displaced, that all departmental policies and procedures regarding safety, security, and dietary guidelines will be followed, and that the successful bidder will provide a management team responsible for day-to-day operation of food service programs in correctional facilities statewide and for establishing and guaranteeing a per meal cost.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.