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Fla. Senate kills prison privatization bill
Published: February 14, 2012
TALLAHASSEE — A divisive bill that would have privatized South Florida prisons has failed to pass the Florida Senate.
The bill (SB 2038) died in a close 21-19 vote today. A bloc of Republicans had revolted against their own leadership that pushed the prison privatization plan this legislative session.
A group of corrections officers cheered in the Senate gallery as the vote was announced.
Nearly 4,000 prison jobs in 24 facilities in 18 South Florida counties could have been affected.
Lawmakers in support of privatization said it would save at least $16.5 million a year. Opponents said a public safety duty like corrections shouldn't be contracted out.
Senate President Mike Haridopolos has said he would look for cuts elsewhere if privatization failed. This year's state deficit is more than $1 billion.
