TN HB1686

Tennessee Department of Correction must develop a performance-based contracting program within 6 months, making 25% of contractor payments conditional on meeting performance metrics including staff turnover, inmate deaths, sexual violence episodes, recidivism rates, and reentry outcomes

Beginning in year three, at least 50% of conditional funds must be tied to improved recidivism rates and at least 15% to inmate safety measures; contractors failing to meet targets forfeit funds to the general fund

The Comptroller's Division of State Audit must conduct quarterly audits of the program, with findings reported to the General Assembly and published publicly

Contracts may be cancelled after 3 years of declining performance on recidivism or inmate safety; subcontractors are protected from financial risk under the program

An external evaluator must conduct an independent evaluation using experimental or quasi-experimental research methods, with results due within 3 years of implementation