Panel approves clarifying bill to allow certain DOC employees to carry weapons on property

Senator Matt McKee introduced House Bill 17 50 as a clarification regarding Department of Corrections authority. McKee said the bill "clarifies what employ for the Department of Corrections, certain employees, and certain parts of their property, which those employees will be able to carry weapons." He introduced Secretary Joe Perfure and Deputy General Counsel Vincent France to answer questions.

Secretary Joe Perfure told the committee the bill covers all parts of DOC property in scope, but committee members and officials clarified secure prison confines remain separately controlled: "This would include all parts of the property. So this includes everything?" and officials noted secure prison confines would not be handled the same way.

No members signed up to speak for or against the bill. McKee closed and moved the bill pass; after a motion and second the committee approved it by voice vote and the chair announced the bill passes.