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Subcommittee approves bill to cap prison canteen prices when facilities offer canteens
Summary
House Bill 3929, sponsored by Representative John King, received a favorable 5-0 report after the subcommittee approved language that would allow correctional facilities discretion to operate canteens but cap prices on items if they do so.
The Domestic Relations Business and Probate Law Subcommittee voted 5-0 Thursday to give House Bill 3929 a favorable report. Filed by Representative John King, the bill would establish statutory provisions governing Department of Corrections canteens and limit the prices that can be charged for items sold in facility canteens when a facility operates a canteen.
Representative John King told the subcommittee he has heard from family members of incarcerated people who complained about high canteen prices. “I believe that there's price gouging within the system, in the canteens,” King said. He described examples relayed to him in which small personal items — for example, a travel-size deodorant — could cost around $10 in a canteen.
Members clarified that the measure would not require facilities to operate a canteen; rather, it would regulate how canteens are run if the warden or facility management elects to offer one. Representative David Martin asked whether the bill would be mandatory; King confirmed it provides regulatory caps for facilities that choose to operate canteens rather than creating a required program.
Roll call recorded Representative Bernstein, Representative Paula Calhoun, Representative Guess, Representative John King and Representative David Martin voting aye; House Bill 3929 received a favorable report from the subcommittee by a 5-0 vote.
