To amend chapter 221, RSMo, by adding one new section relating to the operation of private jails for profit.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS:

     Section A. Chapter 221, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section to be known as section 221.355, to read as follows:

     221.355. 1. No private person, corporation, partnership, business, association or other entity shall operate or manage any correctional facility or jail within this state unless such facility or jail is already in operation on the effective date of this act. Neither the state nor any political subdivision shall contract with any private entity for the keeping of any person within a correctional facility or jail. As used in this section, the term "correctional facility or jail" means any secure building, camp, farm or other facility used to house persons in the custody of any law enforcement agency or the department of corrections.

     2. This section shall not prohibit the state or any political subdivision from executing any contract for the keeping of persons in facilities managed or operated by private entities for specific programs authorized by law, or for programs used for the monitoring of persons on conditional release, probation or parole.