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Bill would require Department of Public Health inspections of correctional food services; lawmakers delay vote for one week
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Summary
SB 84 would require the Department of Public Health to inspect and have enforcement authority over food service operations in county, municipal and state correctional facilities; the department told the committee it already operates under a long-standing court order, and members voted to carry the bill over one week to consult local sheriffs.
Senator Stutz presented SB 84, saying the bill would require the Department of Public Health to inspect food service operations in county jails, municipal jails and Department of Corrections facilities and give the department authority to act on deficiencies. "Even if they inspect... they only report it. They don't do anything about it," he said, describing situations reported to the Department of Corrections where problems persisted for weeks.
A Department of Public Health representative told the committee the agency has met with Senator Stutz and is operating under a court order requiring follow-up on complaints in prisons and jails; she said the department is currently working to address issues raised and cited Tutwiler Prison as an example where staff reported problems such as prolonged lack of hot water. "We are currently doing this," the representative said, and added the department must work within the operational limitations of the Department of Corrections.
Senator Bell asked whether federal litigation or other court activity remains active; the health department representative said the department has been under a court order and would verify the date. Senator Beasley asked to delay to consult with county sheriffs about current local practices; Senator Butler moved to carry the bill over one week and the motion was seconded by Armisen Stewart. Members agreed to carry SB 84 to the next week's docket so legislators could confer with local officials.
Sponsor Stutz said the bill is meant to ensure incarcerated people—"wards of the state"—receive humane conditions, including safe and sanitary food service. The bill directs the health department to inspect correctional food services like it does other food service vendors, but it also states the department must coordinate within corrections' operational limits, rather than immediately closing a correctional kitchen.
The committee carried SB 84 over for one week to allow members to consult local sheriffs and return with any suggested revisions or concerns.
