Watch CBS News

State House, Senate May Conflict Over Prison Oversight

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBSMiami/AP) —  The Florida House and Senate may soon be at odds over how to manage the state's scandal-plagued prison system.

A Senate committee approved a bill Wednesday to create an independent oversight commission for the Department of Corrections. Meanwhile, minority Democrats in the House said Thursday that House Republican leaders reject that idea.

Rep. Darryl Rousson — the ranking Democrat on the House criminal justice appropriations subcommittee — says the House will budget more money for prison staffing, training, food and medical care.

The prison system has been rocked by a rash of inmate deaths and allegations that investigations into possible wrongdoing were squelched.

A spokesman for House Speaker Steve Crisafulli responded that House Republicans haven't yet proposed a prison bill.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.