If enacted, HB 7799 would significantly impact how the state administrates its correctional facilities and interacts with federal agencies like ICE. By prohibiting contracts with private prisons, the bill places a clear mandate on the Department of Administration to maintain public facilities and manage inmate populations without outsourcing responsibilities to for-profit entities. This shift could lead to increased state control over correctional policies and practices, potentially affecting the quality of care and rehabilitation programs for detainees.
Summary
House Bill 7799, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, proposes amendments to the existing statutes related to the Department of Administration. The bill seeks to explicitly prohibit state agencies from entering into contracts with private, for-profit prison facilities as well as with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the purpose of housing and detaining individuals. This legislative move reflects a growing trend among states to reconsider the use of private corporations in managing prison and detention facilities, focusing instead on public accountability and service provision.
Contention
Discussions surrounding HB 7799 have sparked debate among legislators and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that privatization of prisons often leads to cost-cutting at the expense of inmate welfare, whereas opponents might contend that private prisons provide necessary capacity and rehabilitative services that state facilities may struggle to offer. The bill’s modeling of public oversight and accountability could be viewed as an effort to establish a more humane approach to corrections, with a focus on rehabilitation over punishment. However, critics fear that limiting contracts could strain state resources and reduce operational flexibility within the corrections system.
Requires the department of administration to publish a report to the speaker of the house, president of the senate, and secretary of housing evaluating the cost to establish and maintain a statewide geographic information system.
An Act Concerning The Transfer Of Functions From The Departments Of Public Works, Information Technology And Public Safety And The Judicial Selection Commission To The Department Of Administrative Services And Establishing The Department Of Construction Services.
Requires state departments to report on obsolete administrative entities, repeals certain administrative entities and repeals and reassigns duties for certain other administrative entities
Requires the department of administration to publish a report to the speaker of the house, president of the senate, and secretary of housing evaluating the cost to establish and maintain a statewide geographic information system.
Requires, by January 1, 2026, the creation of an online, publicly available, comprehensive statewide geographic information system of land related resources to include information from all towns and cities.
Eliminates waiting periods for acceptance response for successful candidates, requires that all qualified candidates names be sent to the hiring agency, mandates given DHS social worker tests quarterly and extends DCYF pilot hiring program for 3/15/26.
Eliminates waiting periods for acceptance response for successful candidates, requires that all qualified candidates names be sent to the hiring agency, mandates given DHS social worker tests quarterly and extends DCYF pilot hiring program for 3/15/26.