Bill > HB658

This bill requires the Mississippi Department of Corrections to provide protective equipment to state inmates who are assigned work tasks involving raw cleaning chemicals. The bill defines "raw cleaning chemicals" as chemical compounds that break down and remove contaminants, including acids, alkalies, surfactants, and enzymes, and defines a "state inmate" as a person convicted of a crime and sentenced to more than one year in custody. Specifically, when an inmate is assigned work that requires using these raw cleaning chemicals, the Department of Corrections must provide suitable protective equipment such as face masks, gloves, protective helmets, or eye protection. The bill amends several existing sections of Mississippi law related to inmate work programs, including the Inmate Incentive to Work Program, public service work programs, and prison industry programs, to integrate this new requirement across different types of inmate work assignments. By mandating protective equipment, the bill aims to enhance safety for inmates working with potentially hazardous cleaning substances during their work assignments, ensuring they have appropriate personal protective gear when handling these chemicals.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0658.xml