Bill > HB2154

This bill establishes the Prison Industry Enhancement Authority to facilitate partnerships between correctional facilities and private businesses, allowing incarcerated individuals to be employed by private industry. The Authority will oversee these programs, ensuring they comply with federal and state laws, and will approve or disapprove proposals for private sector prison industries. The bill outlines guidelines for incarcerated individual compensation, requiring wages to be at least equal to local prevailing rates for similar work, with mandatory deductions for taxes, victim compensation, room and board, and family support, not exceeding 70% of gross wages. It also clarifies that incarcerated individuals participating in these programs are not considered employees of the state or county and do not gain the rights of public employees, while preserving certain labor protections like those under the Workers' Compensation Act and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. The intent is to productively engage incarcerated individuals, help them develop work habits, and allow them to contribute to victim restitution and family support, without displacing civilian jobs or creating unfair competitive advantages for participating businesses.

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https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb2154