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Senate amends SB175 to require RFPs only for next major prison facility, protects existing county contracts
Summary
Second substitute to SB175 was adopted with amendments to preserve Gunnison facility completion, protect county jail contracts through June 1, 2006, and limit RFP requirements to the next major (300–500 bed) facility; the measure passed on the floor after debate.
Senators adopted a second substitute to Senate Bill 175 after floor amendments that narrow the bill's procurement requirements and protect existing county jail contracts.
Senator Peterson and Senator Stevenson explained and offered targeted amendments. Senator Peterson moved to replace wording (inserting the word "complex" after "facility") and to shift date references from May to June so that certain county jails (e.g., Sanpete) would fall under specified exemptions with an effective date of 06/01/2006. Senators agreed to further language limiting the RFP requirement to the next major facility rather than making it an ongoing obligation for all future facilities.
Senator Stevenson said the bill does not require the state to accept private bids but begins a process that allows RFPs for the next major correctional facility, with Department of Corrections input on whether to contract with private providers. The floor adopted amendment number 1 (February 15, 2006) and an additional amendment changing May 1 to June 1 to align with Peterson's motion. The second substitute passed on roll call with a recorded tally recorded in the transcript (18 yes, 8 no, 3 absent) and was referred to the House for further action.
Supporters framed the measure as a modest step to open competition for the next major facility while ensuring county contracts and the Gunnison project would not be disrupted. Opponents raised concerns about privatization and long-term implications for county jails and state corrections policy.
The Senate's action substituted and amended SB175 and moved it on to the next stage of interchamber consideration.
