DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 817 Reengrossed 2018 Regular Session James
Abstract: Requires the collection and reporting of information related to an inmate's participation
in programs which offer the inmate compensation for services or work performed, on-the-job
training, or industry certification.
Present law provides for the current duties of the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections, including
the collection of data to study efficacy and performance of policies. The department is required to
make an annual report to the governor regarding work of the department, results of inspections, and
recommendations to the legislature affecting the department. The department is also responsible for
the creation of training programs for inmates and offenders.
Proposed law retains present law and adds a requirement that the Dept. of Public Safety and
Corrections establish a system for the collection of information and data on inmates participating in
any program that offers the inmate compensation for services or work performed, on-the-job training,
or industry certification and requires the department to report the information and data to the
legislature by July first of each year.
In this regard, proposed law requires the collection and reporting of information and data related to
all of the following: inmates assigned to Prison Enterprises' industrial, agricultural, service, or other
programs; inmates who are Certified Academic Tutors and Certified Vocational Tutors; inmates
assigned to a certified Private Sector/Prison Industry Enhancement program; inmates participating
in a work release program established and administered by a sheriff; inmates participating in the
work release program established and administered by the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections;
and inmates participating in a program established and administered pursuant to the Reentry
Advisory Council and Offender Rehabilitation Workforce Development Act.
Proposed law provides that the information and data collected shall include but not be limited to the
number of inmates participating in each program, the rate of compensation and the amount of each
inmate's wages, the amount deducted from the wages of each inmate, the maximum number of
inmates that can participate in each program, the number of inmates participating in each program,
the number of inmates that receive industry certification or credentials for participating in a program,
and the cost of obtaining training or certification by the inmate. Further requires the information to
include the amount of funds deposited into and disbursed from the Dept. of Public Safety and
Corrections, Prison Enterprises Fund.
Proposed law authorizes the department to adopt any regulation or rule necessary to implement the
provisions of proposed law. (Adds R.S. 15:827(A)(8))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Administration of Criminal
Justice to the original bill:
1. Change the date on which the department is required to annually report to the legislature
from January first to July first.
2. Add that the information collected and reported by the department shall include the
amount of funds deposited into and disbursed from the Dept. of Public Safety and
Corrections, Prison Enterprises Fund.
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Make technical corrections.