Texas Senate Bill SB1169

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/24/09

Caption

Relating to abolishing the Private Sector Prison Industries Oversight Authority and to the certification and operation of private sector prison industries programs.

Summary

SB1169 proposes the abolition of the Private Sector Prison Industries Oversight Authority and transfers its responsibilities to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice. This shift aims to streamline the certification and oversight of private sector prison industries programs and emphasizes the need for these programs to be managed efficiently while adhering to state and federal regulations. The bill effectively centralizes authority over private sector prison labor programs under the Texas Board of Criminal Justice, thereby creating a more cohesive framework for accountability and oversight. The bill outlines structural and operational changes, including the approval and certification processes for programs, as well as specific guidelines regarding the oversight of prison industries. It stipulates that the new regulations must prevent job loss in existing employment sectors by prohibiting the board from granting certification if it would adversely impact the job market. This aspect of the bill addresses concerns regarding the potential for private sector prison industries to undercut local employment opportunities by allowing incarcerated individuals to work for lower wages than their non-incarcerated counterparts. Provisions in SB1169 also include requirements for transparency and accountability. The board must publish contract details related to private sector prison industries programs, including relevant job descriptions and product specifications. This move towards increased openness aims to inform stakeholders and facilitate better public scrutiny of contracts and their ramifications on the job market. Additionally, the board is tasked with studying whether participation in these programs helps reduce recidivism among participants, thereby potentially contributing to broader criminal justice reform efforts. Notably, the bill also includes a new account dedicated to aiding victims of crime, with funds transferred from the private sector prison industries expansion account. This reallocation is aimed at enhancing support for crime victims while ensuring that funds previously associated with the now-abolished oversight authority are repurposed effectively. While the bill has garnered support for its focus on efficiency and job protection, opposition may arise from concerns over whether it sufficiently safeguards the interests of local workers against potential competition from prison labor programs.