Bill > SB1184

This bill establishes the Prison Industry Enhancement Authority to create joint ventures between correctional facilities and private businesses, allowing incarcerated individuals to be productively employed. The Authority will oversee programs where private companies (referred to as "private business, private enterprise or nonprofit entity") can operate industries within or on the grounds of state or county correctional facilities, known as a "private sector prison industry," under an "employer model" where the private entity controls hiring, training, and supervision. This initiative aims to help incarcerated individuals develop work habits, contribute to the cost of their incarceration, compensate victims, and support their families, while ensuring that this labor does not displace civilian jobs or create unfair competitive advantages. The bill outlines guidelines for incarcerated individual compensation, requiring wages to be at least equal to local private industry rates for similar work, with mandatory deductions for taxes, victim compensation, room and board, and family support, ensuring no more than 70% of gross wages are deducted. It also clarifies that participating incarcerated individuals are not considered employees of the state or county and do not receive employee benefits, though they are protected by certain labor laws. The Authority itself will be composed of various state officials, labor representatives, a county commissioner, a warden, a business representative, a superintendent, and the Victim Advocate, and will be responsible for approving and monitoring these private sector prison industries to ensure compliance with federal and state laws.

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https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb1184