Assembly passes vending-machine bill

CARSON CITY -- A bill that would stop employees of the state prisons from using profits from vending machines for parties, picnics and other perks has been approved by the Assembly 41-0.

Assembly Bill 289, which goes to the Senate, says that profits from soft drink and candy machines should support the inmate welfare fund to help pay for such things as law libraries, medical care and television programming.

The Assembly Ways and Means Committee discovered this year that the money was diverted several years ago by the state Prison Board to benefit employees instead of the inmate account. Committee members said the money was intended to be used for inmates, thus cutting the need for state funds.

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