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Senators Debate RFP Requirement for New Prison Capacity as Bill’s Sponsor Promises Narrowing Amendment
Summary
Lawmakers debated first substitute Senate Bill 175, which would require an RFP before contracting for a new correctional facility. Senators raised concerns about county bonding, rural economic impacts and a $85,000 fiscal note; the sponsor said an amendment will limit the RFP rule to the next large (500-bed) facility.
SALT LAKE CITY — Senate debate on first substitute Senate Bill 175 centered on whether the state should require a request for proposals (RFP) before contracting for any new correctional facility and on the bill’s potential fiscal and local economic consequences.
The bill’s sponsor told senators the measure is intended to start a planning process so the Department of Corrections can prepare an RFP and evaluate private-sector capacity without obligating the legislature to accept any bids. “The cost savings have been anywhere from 5 to 10%,” the sponsor said, adding the principal goal was to “alleviate the taxpayers’ need for future bonding” for capital projects.
Senator Peterson said he could not support the bill in its…
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