Tennessee's Senate State and Local Government Committee convened on March 25, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding the state's private prison system, particularly focusing on the alarming death rates at facilities operated by CoreCivic. The committee heard poignant testimony from a grieving father, Mr. Leeper, who shared the tragic story of his son, who died while incarcerated. He emphasized the urgent need for reform, stating that CoreCivic has become desensitized to inmate suffering and has turned incarceration into a profit-driven enterprise.

Mr. Leeper's testimony highlighted systemic failures within the private prison system, including inadequate medical care and staffing shortages that hindered access to rehabilitative programs. He recounted how his son was unable to participate in the "Men of Valor" program due to a lack of available guards to escort inmates to meetings. This lack of support, he argued, contributed to a culture where inmates are not only neglected but also face increased risks of violence and drug overdoses.

The committee discussed a proposed bill aimed at addressing these issues by reducing the inmate population in private prisons if their death rates exceed those of state-run facilities. Currently, CoreCivic's death rate is reported to be more than double that of state prisons. The bill seeks to ensure that if a private prison's death rate is significantly higher, the state would begin transferring inmates to safer, state-operated facilities.

Senator Jackson and other committee members expressed their concerns about the accuracy and timeliness of death reporting in prisons, emphasizing the need for reliable data to inform future decisions. The committee acknowledged ongoing federal investigations into the conditions at CoreCivic facilities, indicating a broader recognition of the systemic issues at play.

As the meeting concluded, the committee reinforced its commitment to improving the safety and well-being of inmates in Tennessee's correctional system. The proposed legislation represents a significant step towards accountability and reform, aiming to ensure that all inmates receive the dignity and care they deserve while incarcerated. The committee's actions signal a growing awareness of the urgent need for reform in the state's private prison system, with the potential for meaningful change on the horizon.