Subcommittee backs bill to cap prison canteen prices if canteens are authorized

The Domestic Relations Business and Probate Law Subcommittee gave House Bill 3,929 a favorable report. The bill, filed by Representative John King, would establish statutory provisions to govern Department of Corrections canteens and set limits on pricing of items sold in those canteens if a facility operates a canteen.

Representative John King said he filed the bill after hearing complaints from families of incarcerated people about high prices for basic items in canteens. "I believe that there's price gouging within the system ... they were just saying how much money they have to spend. And they said if they have to get, like, deodorant that's probably this size, they're paying, like, $10 for it," King said, explaining the proposal would put a cap on how much can be charged.

Representative David Martin asked whether the measure would require prisons to run canteens. King answered that the bill is permissive: it would not force facilities to establish a canteen but would regulate pricing and operation if a warden or facility chose to operate one. "It would be up to the warden or whoever manages that prison itself ... but if they do allow it, this is just a regulation of how it will be operated and maintained," King said.

After brief questions and discussion, the subcommittee voted by roll call to give HB 3,929 a favorable report. The roll call recorded Representatives Bernstein, Calhoun, Guess, King and Martin voting "aye," for a 5–0 vote in favor.

The bill as discussed sets a statutory cap on prices where canteens exist but does not mandate canteens or prescribe specific cap amounts in the committee discussion recorded in the transcript. Further legislative action will determine whether a price cap and its level are included in the enacted language.