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AB 246

Revises provisions relating to offenders. (BDR 16-686)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Venicia Considine

NDOC must improve inmate meals via independent dietitian oversight, voluntary vocational farms, a public RFI for contracts, and a 1-year cost/nutrition study.

(No further action taken.)
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Bill Summary · AB 246

Summary — AB 246 (BDR 16-686): Revisions relating to offenders (food services, dietitians, vocational farms)

Status and timeline
- Introduced Jan 15, 2025 (referred to Judiciary).
- Underwent committee consideration and multiple amendments (including Assembly Amendment No. 524, April 21, 2025).
- Key committee activity and public testimony occurred Feb–May 2025. According to the materials provided, no further action was taken as of June 3, 2025.

Purpose
- To evaluate and improve food services for individuals in custody of the Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC), increase independent nutritional oversight, and (to the extent funding is available) establish voluntary vocational farm programs that can supply institutional meals and provide rehabilitative opportunities.

Key provisions (as amended)
1. Vocational farm programs (Chapter 209 additions)
- NDOC must, to the extent money is available, establish vocational farm programs at institutions the Director deems practical.
- Participation must be voluntary, comply with fair labor standards for voluntary programs, use sustainable practices appropriate to Nevada’s climate, and serve educational/therapeutic purposes.
- Produce is to be used in institutional meals to the greatest extent practicable; surplus donated to local charities.

  1. Registered dietitian oversight

    • NDOC may contract with or accept volunteer services from a registered dietitian who is not employed by the Department and is not affiliated with an NDOC food-service vendor.
    • The Department may adopt regulations (under Nevada’s Administrative Procedure Act, NRS Chapter 233B) defining the dietitian’s roles and responsibilities.

  2. Request for Information (RFI) / procurement transparency

    • NDOC must issue a Request for Information regarding food service contracts during the 2025–2026 interim. The RFI must solicit:
      • A full-cost proposal at current food quality and a separate proposal for higher-quality food with corresponding costs.
      • Multiple providers, including nonprofit entities, should be invited.

  3. One‑year comprehensive study (2025–2026 interim)

    • NDOC must conduct and publicly post a 1‑year study covering: cost analysis; nutritional comparisons; food safety and kitchen practices; menu deviations and substitutions; food waste; the role of commissary; and impacts on physical/mental health.
    • The study must include a 90‑day “Pick Your Own Menu” pilot (with pre/post waste comparison) and incorporate surveys, interviews, and focus groups with staff and incarcerated individuals.
    • If NDOC renews a contract with a food-service vendor during the study, any renewal term may not exceed two years.

Notable changes from earlier drafts
- Earlier versions proposed adoption of the Good Food Purchasing Program and a prohibition on contracts with for‑profit vendors. Later amendments narrowed the bill to require the RFI, the study, dietitian oversight, vocational farms, and procurement/renewal limitations instead of an outright vendor ban.

Who is affected
- Directly: NDOC administration, contracted food-service providers, incarcerated individuals (offenders), and registered dietitians engaged by NDOC.
- Indirectly: local farms/food suppliers (potential vendors for higher‑quality sourcing), charitable organizations (possible recipients of surplus produce), and taxpayers (through program costs/studies).

Potential impacts
- Increased transparency and data on NDOC food services; potential short‑term costs for study/RFI and for hiring independent dietitians.
- If implemented, vocational farms could supply fresher produce to institutions, offer vocational training, and reduce some food costs over time.
- Limits on contract renewals during the study period create procurement flexibility to pursue improved providers or terms after review.

Implementation notes
- Regulatory provisions affecting dietitian roles must follow Nevada’s public rulemaking process (NRS Chapter 233B).
- Vocational farm programs and some requirements are contingent on available funding.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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