OH HB82

Permits counties, groups of counties, and county-municipal combinations to contract with private operators for correctional facilities housing felons, subject to specific approval and accreditation requirements.

Requires contractors to demonstrate at least 5% cost savings over public operation, obtain American Correctional Association accreditation within 12 months, and maintain adequate liability insurance naming the state as insured.

Establishes contract requirements including full-time monitoring, compliance with all state regulations, reporting of crimes and escapes, and prohibition of out-of-state prisoners in contracted facilities.

Restricts contractor authority by prohibiting delegation of parole determination, earned credit calculation, inmate classification, work release approval, and telephone service contracting decisions.

Requires contractors to indemnify the state for all claims, constitutional violations, and legal costs arising from facility operation, with private correctional officers certified to carry firearms.