Louisiana House Bill HR235

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/16/18
• Passed: 5/18/18

Caption

Requests the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections to provide a cost analysis and information relative to use of inmate labor for certain construction projects

Impact

If enacted, this resolution could lead to an increase in the use of inmates for labor on construction projects under strict conditions and guidelines. The document aims to glean information on how many inmates would be involved, the wages they would receive, and the overall savings achieved through such labor. This initiative aligns with existing Louisiana laws that advocate for providing employment opportunities to inmates, thereby potentially changing how state projects utilize available resources and enhancing the rehabilitation efforts by integrating work experience.

Summary

House Resolution 235 requests the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections to provide a detailed cost analysis and information regarding the use of inmate labor for specific capital construction projects within the state. This resolution emphasizes the employment and training of inmates and seeks to understand the financial ramifications and operational aspects of utilizing inmate labor for construction work associated with state-owned facilities, particularly those that support correctional activities. The resolution frames the use of inmate labor not only as a potential cost-saving measure but also as a means to offer vocational training and rehabilitation opportunities for inmates.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR 235 appears to be cautiously optimistic. Supporters argue that employing inmates for construction projects could reduce costs for the state while also providing rehabilitation pathways for those incarcerated. However, there is also an underlying concern over the ethics of utilizing inmate labor, which sparks debates regarding the fair treatment of inmates and the balance between funding state projects and ensuring adequate compensation for work performed. Therefore, while many legislators may view this as a step towards economic efficiency, there are nuanced discussions concerning inmate rights and the implications of labor practices.

Contention

One notable aspect of contention may revolve around the perceived exploitation of inmate labor and the adequacy of compensation provided for such work. Critics may express concerns about whether the use of inmate labor is a genuine rehabilitative effort or a means of cheap labor. Moreover, questions about the conditions under which inmates work and the potential impact on their rehabilitation could generate debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Therefore, while the resolution aims to collect valuable data, it also invites scrutiny regarding the moral and ethical implications of employing inmates for labor on state-funded construction initiatives.