Texas House Bill HB1599

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 2/21/11
• Refer: 3/3/11

Caption

Relating to the sale of prison-made products to nonprofit organizations.

Impact

If passed, HB 1599 would enable an increase in sales of goods produced in state prisons to a wider array of purchasers, particularly nonprofits. Currently, only governmental entities have been able to purchase prison-made items. By allowing nonprofits to contract directly for these goods, the bill promotes self-sufficiency among nonprofits while supporting the state's prison industry. This legislative change aligns with goals of social rehabilitation and economic participation for inmates, as it encourages productive use of their skills.

Summary

House Bill 1599 seeks to amend the Government Code concerning the sale of products made by prisoners. The bill specifically opens up the market for prison-made products to nonprofit organizations that are exempt from federal taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This change aims to provide such organizations with the opportunity to purchase these goods directly, thereby creating a new revenue stream for state prisons and fostering the integration of inmates' skills into the community through the nonprofits they support.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1599 appears to be generally positive among both legislators and advocacy groups focused on prison reform. Proponents express optimism that the bill will bolster local nonprofits' operational capabilities by reducing their costs through access to competitively priced prison-made products. Critics, if any arise, could be concerned regarding the quality and ethics of products made in prison settings, particularly regarding workers' rights and living conditions.

Contention

Despite the clear benefits outlined, discussions surrounding the bill might raise concerns about the implications for labor conditions within the prison system. There may be questions regarding the fairness of inmate labor conditions and whether the expansion of the market for prison-made products could exploit vulnerable populations for financial gain. Balancing these ethical considerations with the economic opportunities HB 1599 creates will likely be an important point in ongoing debates about the bill.