Bill > S00439

This bill enacts the "Prison Wage Act," which mandates fair compensation for incarcerated individuals performing labor in various settings within New York state correctional facilities. The legislation requires that incarcerated individuals be paid at least half of the state's minimum wage for work performed, including tasks in prison industries, nonprofit organizations, specialized facility areas, work release programs, and other assigned labor. The bill changes existing correction law to replace permissive language about compensation with mandatory requirements, ensuring that incarcerated individuals receive a minimum wage for their work. Additionally, the bill establishes that compensation scales will be graded based on the work performed and aims to facilitate inmates' eventual reintegration into society by providing meaningful employment opportunities. The changes apply to both state correctional facilities and local correctional facilities, with the new wage provisions taking effect 180 days after the bill becomes law. This legislation represents a significant shift in how incarcerated labor is valued, moving from voluntary or unpaid work to a system that recognizes the economic contribution of imprisoned individuals while potentially supporting their rehabilitation and future employment prospects.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S439