GREEN SHEET REDIGEST
HB 817 2018 Regular Session James
PUBLIC SFTY/DEPARTMENT: Requires the collection and reporting of information
regarding inmate participation in certain work programs
DIGEST
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
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.
Page 1 of 2
Prepared by Ashley Menou. The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Make technical corrections.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Judiciary B to the
reengrossed bill
1. Makes technical changes.
Page 2 of 2
Prepared by Ashley Menou.