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Subcommittee backs bill to limit pricing in prison canteens if implemented by wardens
Summary
House Bill 3,929, sponsored by Representative John King, would set price limits on items sold in Department of Corrections canteens if a facility elects to operate one; the subcommittee reported the bill favorably, 5-0.
The Domestic Relations Business and Probate Law Subcommittee on Thursday gave a favorable report, 5-0, to House Bill 3,929, a measure intended to regulate pricing for items sold in Department of Corrections canteens if a prison elects to operate a canteen.
Representative John King, sponsor of the bill, told the subcommittee he had heard complaints from family members of incarcerated people about high canteen prices and cited an example in which a small deodorant item could cost about $10. Representative King said the bill would cap how much can be charged for items sold through a facility canteen.
Committee members questioned whether the bill would require canteens or simply regulate them if a warden chooses to allow a canteen. Representative King confirmed the bill is permissive: it would not require prisons to operate canteens but would regulate pricing and operations if a warden or facility manager elects to provide one. The transcript records no specific price cap figure beyond Representative King's example; the bill text would need to be consulted for exact limits.
The subcommittee moved and voted by roll call to report HB 3,929 favorably. Representatives Bernstein, Paula Calhoun, Guess, John King and David Martin recorded "aye." The clerk recorded five in favor, none opposed. The bill advances from subcommittee with the recommendation.
