[Spooky23]

The decision makers are civil service types who are basically accountable to nobody. The Deputy Superintendent of Corrections Administration doesn't give a hoot.

Corrections officers have strong unions with ironwood support from their legislators, so it is very difficult to get the executive branch in most states to care about anyth that pisses the unions off.

[bjourne]

Why would prison guard unions be in favor of ripping of prisoners with ridiculous fees?

[Spooky23]

They use usurious feed to find prison expenses.

[tankenmate]

Perceived control.