Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB581

Introduced
3/20/23  

Caption

In inmate labor, further providing for inmates accounts and providing for skilled labor and for participation and refusal to work.

Impact

The impact of HB 581 is significant as it endeavors to transform how inmate labor is compensated. By implementing a structured wage system, the bill could not only improve the financial conditions for inmates working while incarcerated but also incentivize them to engage in labor that might lead to skill development. The proposed educational provisions would allow inmates the opportunity to receive certification in skilled labor, potentially improving their employability upon release and enhancing rehabilitation efforts.

Summary

House Bill 581 seeks to amend Title 61 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning inmate labor. The bill aims to enhance the provisions regarding wages credited to inmate accounts by establishing a minimum wage of $5 per hour for work performed by inmates. In addition to wage enhancements, the legislation introduces a graduated wage scale based on experience and skill levels required for different jobs, with the potential for annual bonuses at the discretion of the department.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 581 appears to be generally positive, particularly among advocates for prison reform and rehabilitation. Supporters argue that fair compensation and skill development can improve the lives of inmates, contributing to a more effective reintegration into society. However, some concerns may arise regarding the adequacy of compensation and whether it effectively aligns with real-world labor standards and practices.

Contention

Notable points of contention may include debates over the appropriateness of the minimum wage set for inmate labor as well as the implementation of education and vocational training programs. Critics might argue that the focus should be more on rehabilitation rather than making inmates labor for wages, raising ethical questions about inmate work conditions and exploitation. The balance between potential rehabilitation benefits and the risk of commodification of inmate labor could lead to discussions among stakeholders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB964

Correctional Services - Inmates - Labor, Job Training, and Educational Courses

PA SB1625

Inmate labor; wages

PA HB1141

In preliminary provisions, further providing for short title, for declaration of intent and for definitions; in wages and hours, further providing for minimum wages, for piece rates, for employment of minors, for discrimination on account of sex prohibited, for records required and notice to workers, for wage payment and for hours of labor and providing for minimum guaranteed period of employment; in regulations and inspections, further providing for rules and regulations, for inspections and entry, for permit to operate a seasonal farm labor camp, for enforcement orders, for civil remedies and for drinking water and toilet facilities and providing for food service and cooking facilities, for cooperative agreements with Federal and State agencies, for medical services and for posting of information concerning housing; in access and entry, further providing for tenancy rights, for interference prohibited and for privileged persons and providing for privacy rights of tenants; in registration of farm labor contractors, further providing for annual registration required, for qualifications of registrants, for agents exempt from registration and employment agencies, for farm labor contractors and agents and prohibited activities and for Secretary of Labor and Industry and powers and duties; in construction, repeals, penalties and effective date, further providing for criminal penalties and providing for retaliation prohibited, for private right of action and for civil penalties and enforcement orders; and making an editorial change.

PA HB861

Further providing for definitions; providing for notice and regulations; further providing for unfair labor practices and for representatives and elections; providing for initial collective bargaining agreement; and further providing for prevention of unfair labor practices and for penalties.

PA SB1712

Inmate labor; wages

PA SB1704

Inmate labor; wages

PA SB1673

Inmate labor; wages

PA SB69

Establishing Recovery-to-work as a pilot program within the Department of Labor and Industry; and providing for local recovery-to-work pilot programs, for incentives to encourage business participation and for powers and duties of the Department of Labor and Industry.

PA HB1029

Further providing for definitions; providing for notice and regulations; further providing for unfair labor practices and for representatives and elections; providing for initial collective bargaining agreement; further providing for prevention of unfair labor practices and for penalties; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1245

Correctional Services - Inmates - Labor, Job Training, and Educational Courses

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.