Bill > S421

This bill introduces comprehensive prison labor reform in North Carolina, aiming to transform how incarcerated individuals are employed by establishing fair, rehabilitative, and transparent work opportunities. The legislation repeals several existing statutes and replaces them with the Fair and Rehabilitative Prison Labor Act, which mandates that work programs prioritize skill development, ensure fair compensation (at least state minimum wage for PIECP-certified programs and $5 per hour for others), and prevent the displacement of non-incarcerated workers, particularly in agricultural settings. The bill requires prison labor programs to provide meaningful vocational training, gender-equitable labor policies, and post-release employment assistance, and establishes a Prison Labor Oversight Board to conduct annual audits and ensure compliance with ethical labor standards. Additionally, the legislation prohibits using prison labor to replace migrant or seasonal workers, requires independent assessments of labor market needs before agricultural work assignments, and mandates regular reporting to the Governor and General Assembly about prison labor program details, including total hours worked, wages paid, and potential impacts on non-incarcerated employment. The bill also updates terminology throughout the existing law, replacing terms like "prisoners" with "incarcerated individuals" to promote more respectful language. The reforms are designed to support rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and provide meaningful workforce development opportunities for individuals who will ultimately return to society.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S421