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Corrections bill adds reporting rules and requires RFP for inmate health care; lawmakers press for accountability
Summary
House passed the corrections appropriation that includes an amendment requiring quarterly expenditure reporting from MDOC and an instruction that the department issue an RFP for inmate health services (effective 10/01/2027). Members pressed on unpaid vendor bills and contract renegotiation authority for the current vendor VitalCore.
The House passed a corrections appropriation that carried amendments aimed at fiscal oversight and changing how inmate health care is procured. Sponsor S26 (chair of corrections) said the bill directs MDOC to provide detailed expenditure reports — including inmate welfare and canteen funds — to the chairs of corrections and appropriations committees and the legislative budget office on a quarterly schedule, beginning October 15, 2027, and continuing thereafter.
S26 also explained a second amendment requiring the Department of Corrections to publish a request for proposals by March 31, 2027, for a contract to provide inmate health care effective October 1, 2027. When asked on the floor, S26 identified VitalCore as the current vendor and confirmed the department may renegotiate existing contracts. The strike-all and final passage were approved on recorded votes.
