SCS/HB 529 - This act authorizes a county to submit to the voters an increased county sales tax to fund the costs of constructing and operating a regional jail. A regional jail district may be operated by a private entity.

All obligations of a regional jail district shall not be deemed obligations of the state, a member county or any political subdivision. Any income realized by the district shall be tax exempt.

Regional jail districts are granted additional powers to carry out their duties.

PRIVATE JAILS: The sheriff of any county where a private correctional facility is located shall establish and enforce guidelines for such facilities. Any facility that violates the standards set by the sheriff may be fined up to $5,000.

The state shall contract with other jails, including private jails, within the state before entering into or renewing contracts with out-of-state facilities so long as the in-state facilities meet certain requirements.

NEW CRIMES: A person commits the crime of damage to jail property if such person damages any jail building or other jail property. Damage to jail property is a Class D felony.

Any person who is found to have attempted to deliver any item prohibited by a correctional facility may be denied visitation privileges or prosecuted. Such conduct is an infraction if not covered by other statutes.

Neither the state nor any political subdivision shall contract with any private entity for the management and operation of a correctional facility or jail.
TOM MORTON