Judge to Rule Later Today on PBA Request to Halt Privatization Bidding

Leon County Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford will rule later today on a request by the Florida Police Benevolent Association to halt the reopened bidding to privatize 29 correctional facilities in South Florida.

The PBA asked for the emergency stay after the Department of Corrections late Thursday announced the bid process would continue.

According to a release from the Department of Corrections, the bids are due next week but the agency won't sign a contract until the litigation is completed.

Corrections spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger said the agency decided to be cautious and delay the contract signing.

According to the release from the Department of Corrections:

"On September 30, 2011, the Circuit Court for the Second Judicial Circuit entered an order declaring unconstitutional budget Provisio language requiring the Department of Corrections to privatize Region IV and enjoining the Department from taking further steps to implement the privatization procurement.

"On Monday, October 31, 2011, the Attorney Generals Office filed an appeal, which had the effect of staying the Circuit Courts Order in accordance with Rule 9.310(b)(2), Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure.

"Therefore, in order to comply with the now operative Proviso language, the Department has reopened the procurement process with proposals due Thursday, November 10, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. The Department will evaluate the proposals. However, out of respect for the ongoing litigation, the agency will not sign a contract until the litigation is complete."