FL H1337

Replaces the term "private correctional facility" with "contractor-operated correctional facility" and "private correctional officer" with "contractor-employed correctional officer" throughout Florida statutes, affecting over 40 sections of law.

Expands the authority of the Department of Corrections Inspector General's law enforcement officers to conduct criminal investigations and make arrests at contractor-operated correctional facilities, including arrests of facility staff members, contract employees, subcontractors, and volunteers for criminal law violations occurring on facility property.

Establishes that correctional privatization contracts under Chapter 957 are not exempt from Chapter 287 state procurement and competitive solicitation requirements unless otherwise specified, while clarifying that such contracts are not considered "outsourced" under s. 287.012.

Eliminates the Prison Per-Diem Workgroup provisions that previously allowed the Legislature to request development of consensus per diem rates for privately operated prisons, and removes a restriction on the department's authority over appropriated funds for contractor-operated facilities.

Restricts bidder contact with the Department of Corrections during the competitive solicitation process, limiting communications to writing to the procurement office or as provided in solicitation documents, from the time a request for proposals is issued until the intent to award is announced. Effective July 1, 2024.