The House Judiciary Committee voted 14‑12 to report House Resolution 189, directing the Joint State Government Commission to study the nutritional value of food served in state prisons and related health outcomes for incarcerated individuals.

Sponsor Representative Zapata (as recorded) described the resolution as "a common sense fact finding measure" to assess whether menus meet dietary guidelines and to include a cost‑benefit analysis of higher‑nutrition options. "This resolution gives us the data needed to ensure policies are implemented as intended and to identify potential gaps in practice," the sponsor said.

Committee members sought sharper study language. Representative Klunk asked whether the study should determine whether chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes were present on entry or developed in custody and suggested refining the study questions. Klunk also questioned use of the term "palatability" and whether it was the correct metric for nutritional analysis: "Maybe we can talk about that, because sometimes you might not enjoy it, but it's the best thing for you." (transcript wording retained)

Other members recounted observations: Representative Carroll said he spoke with an individual who gained substantial weight in custody and became insulin‑dependent, urging that the study examine policies around meal distribution and how missed counts or behavior issues can affect access to meals. Representative Kinkade noted staff also eat facility food: "the food that's served in our corrections facilities is also served to our corrections officers. ... If they are working a shift over a a time when a meal is served, they are eating exactly the same food that the inmates are." Chairman Kaufman objected to language asserting that "food has been used as a means of punishment," listing DOC's many specialized diets and saying information could be obtained from DOC directly.

Why it matters: Members said nutrition affects chronic disease prevalence, reentry outcomes and long‑term taxpayer costs; the study will provide data to inform menu standards, costs and operational practices such as meal distribution.

Next steps: The resolution was reported as committed; the Joint State Government Commission will prepare the study and issue a report as required by the resolution timeline.