An Act amending Title 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, establishing the Prison Industry Enhancement Authority; providing for employment of incarcerated individuals by private industry and for subcontracts with correctional agencies; establishing guidelines for incarcerated individual compensation; and providing for location of private sector prison industry.
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill establishes the Prison Industry Enhancement Authority in Pennsylvania, aiming to employ incarcerated individuals in private industry and through subcontracts with correctional agencies. It outlines guidelines for compensating these individuals and specifies the location of private sector prison industry operations. The Authority will oversee these arrangements, ensuring compliance with labor standards and promoting positive work habits for incarcerated individuals, while also supporting family ties and reducing reliance on public assistance. Importantly, the bill clarifies that this initiative does not authorize privatization of correctional facilities.
Key provisions
- Creates the Prison Industry Enhancement Authority.
- Allows incarcerated individuals to be employed by private industry through contracts.
- Establishes guidelines for incarcerated individual compensation, including deductions for room and board, taxes, and victim restitution.
- Requires private sector prison industries to meet minimum requirements, such as consulting with local labor organizations and ensuring compliance with labor standards.
- Defines the role of the Authority in overseeing private sector prison industry operations and ensuring compliance with Federal and State law.
- Specifies that incarcerated individuals are not Commonwealth employees and do not have associated rights.
- Addresses workers' compensation and unemployment insurance eligibility for incarcerated individuals.
- Clarifies that the bill does not create a civil cause of action against the Authority or the Commonwealth.
Bill text
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Document of record
- Version
- Pn 2787 Html
- Published
- Not published in the source record
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
9 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Benjamin Sanchez
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