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Subcommittee favors bill to cap prices in Department of Corrections canteens; measure would be permissive for wardens
Summary
House Bill 3,929, sponsored by Representative John King, received a 5-0 favorable report after the subcommittee discussed alleged price gouging in prison canteens, heard examples of high retail prices for basic items and confirmed the bill would regulate canteen pricing only if a facility elects to implement the provisions.
House Bill 3,929, filed by Representative John King, received a favorable 5-0 report from the Domestic Relations, Business and Probate Law Subcommittee after discussion about pricing at Department of Corrections canteens. The bill would establish statutory provisions governing how the Department of Corrections manages canteens and the pricing of items sold there.
Representative John King said he filed the bill because of reports of "price gouging" in prison canteens. King described accounts from family members of incarcerated people who face high prices for basic items; he offered a consumer example that a small deodorant could cost about $10. Representative David Martin asked whether the bill would require prisons to adopt the statute or merely regulate canteens if a warden chooses to operate one. King confirmed the bill is permissive: it would regulate canteens that a warden or facility manager elects to operate, rather than mandating operation of canteens.
No amendments were proposed during discussion, and the committee recorded roll-call votes of "aye" from Representatives Bernstein, Calhoun, Guest, King and Martin. With a vote of 5 in favor and none against, House Bill 3,929 received a favorable report from the subcommittee.
