Bill > SB84

This bill amends existing law to require the Alabama Department of Public Health to establish and enforce sanitation standards for food services in correctional facilities, county jails, and municipal jails, ensuring that food served to inmates is sound and wholesome. It defines a "food service establishment" within these facilities as any location that handles food for storage, preparation, or service to inmates, whether operated by the Department of Corrections, a county, or a municipality. The Department of Public Health is authorized to enforce existing food service rules and adopt new ones specifically for these correctional settings, focusing on sanitary conditions for food storage, preparation, and service, with enforcement handled by local health officers. While the department can inspect these facilities, identify violations, and require corrective actions, it cannot suspend or terminate food services without the agreement of the Commissioner of Corrections or the relevant county or municipal governing body. This provision also applies to private entities contracted to provide food services to inmates. The bill is set to become effective on October 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search