SENATE LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 322

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JANUARY 22, 1996

      The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee favorably reports Senate Bill No. 322.

      This bill would permit the governing body of any county to enter into a contract with a private, for-profit entity to operate and maintain a commissary at the county correctional facility. The bill also permits the governing body to contract for the provision of food services with a central food service facility that is established by the Department of Corrections or Human Services to service State prisons and facilities.

      While the bill provides that the contract be made, negotiated and awarded in accordance with the "Local Public Contracts Law," (P.L.1971, c.198; C.40A:11-1 et seq.), it specifically directs that the regulations governing the qualification of bidders be established by the Director of the Divison of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury.

      The bill also specifies that any profits accruing to the county from the contract must be expended exclusively for the use, benefit and general welfare of the inmates of the county correctional facility.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 1996-1997 legislative session. As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review which has been performed.