HB 287 -- PRIVATE JAILS

SPONSOR:  Williams

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Correctional and State Institutions by a vote of 11 to 1 with 1
present.

This bill allows the operation of private jails within the
state.  The term "private jail" is defined as a correctional
facility owned or operated by any private person or entity
specifically for confining criminal defendants pending the
disposition of criminal cases.

The bill establishes certain guidelines and standards which must
be met before any private person or entity may contract with the
state or any political subdivision for the operation of a
private jail.

The bill further requires private jails to provide certain
inmate services.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill would establish
certain criteria that private jails must follow and that require
proper notification to be given to the surrounding community
when a private jail is going to be operated there.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Williams, Cooper,
and Kelly (36); and Department of Corrections.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that the bill contains
no enforcement provisions on how these private jails are
operated.

Testifying against the bill was American Civil Liberties Union.

Bob Dominique, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:43 am