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Bill would let private businesses compete for Department of Corrections contracts
Summary
Representative Steve Kelly introduced House Bill 540 to allow private businesses, rather than only nonprofit organizations, to bid for certain Department of Corrections programs; an amendment was announced to restrict eligibility to Montana-based businesses.
Representative Steve Kelly, R-House District 9, introduced House Bill 540 to the House Judiciary Committee, saying the bill would expand who may compete for Department of Corrections contracts. "This bill ' is just a very simple change to the statute that prior to this time, it only allowed for, non profits to, compete for, bidding on programs for the Department of Corrections," Kelly said. He told the committee the proposed change would "allow all private businesses" to bid and that an amendment forthcoming would specify Montana-based businesses.
Scott Eichner, rehabilitation program chief for the Department of Corrections, testified in support and offered to answer questions. No opponents or informational witnesses were recorded in the available transcript for the hearing segment. The sponsor said the bill was requested by the Department of Corrections.
Committee members did not record a vote during the portion of the hearing in the transcript. The matter remained at the committee hearing stage at the close of the recorded testimony.
If the committee advances the bill it will consider any offered amendment, including the sponsor's planned amendment to limit bidders to Montana-based businesses, and potential procurement or contracting implications for corrections programs.
