Bill > SB1577

This bill repeals the Advisory Board of Vocational Enterprises Program, which previously reviewed and approved new vocational programs and services for incarcerated individuals, ensuring they benefited offenders and did not negatively impact the state's economy. The bill also modifies existing sections of law to allow the director of the department to contract with private entities for inmate work or vocational training projects, including manufacturing and service businesses, and to lease correctional center space for private enterprises. These contracts and leases are no longer subject to the approval of the now-abolished advisory board, though they must comply with federal law, be competitively negotiated, and not displace civilian workers. Offenders participating in these programs will still pay a percentage of their wages to the crime victims' compensation fund, and their wages, benefits, and deductions will be managed according to established policies, with the Fair Labor Standards Act applying to contractual offender workers.

Government Affairs

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=1584512