A contractor shall submit a detailed plan for the department to assume temporary responsibility for a private contract prison when the contract between the state and the contractor terminates. The state, through the executive director, may terminate the contract for cause, including but not limited to failure to obtain or maintain facility accreditation, after written notice of material deficiencies and after sixty workdays have been provided to the contractor to correct the material deficiencies. If any event occurs involving the noncompliance with or violation of contract terms and presents a serious threat to the safety, health, or security of the inmates, employees, or the public, the department may temporarily assume responsibility for the private contract prison. In addition, a contractor shall submit a plan for the temporary assumption of operations and purchase of a private contract prison by the department in the event of bankruptcy or the financial insolvency of the contractor. The contractor shall provide an emergency plan to address inmate disturbances, employee work stoppages, strikes, or other serious events. The plan shall comply with applicable national correctional standards. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the state to assume the responsibility for the operation of private contract prisons and costs associated with contractual termination described in this section. If the state chooses, it may assume responsibility upon approval by the general assembly through the enactment of legislation.
L. 95: Entire part added, p. 1270, § 1, effective June 5. L. 2000: Entire section
amended, p. 838, § 21, effective May 24.