Correctional Facilities Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2023
The bill requires states operating correctional facilities to amend their occupational safety and health laws to include protections for incarcerated workers and to enforce these laws effectively. States will be incentivized through a grant program established by the Secretary of Labor, which will allocate funds to assist states in covering incarcerated workers under their safety regulations. Notably, $20 million is authorized for each fiscal year from 2024 to 2029 to support these initiatives. This funding aims to facilitate compliance with established safety standards and implement necessary inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions in correctional environments.
SB518, known as the Correctional Facilities Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2023, aims to enhance the coverage and oversight of occupational safety and health standards specifically for workers in correctional facilities. The bill seeks to amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to explicitly include incarcerated workers under its protection, mandating states to ensure that these workers receive safe and healthful employment conditions. By recognizing incarcerated individuals as workers, the legislation represents a significant shift in how labor laws apply within correctional settings.
While SB518 has garnered support for its intention to protect some of the most vulnerable workers, there are concerns regarding its practical implementation and the extent of legislative oversight required. Advocates argue that the safety standards must be robust and effectively enforced to meaningfully improve conditions for incarcerated workers. Conversely, some opponents may view this legislation as placing undue mandates on state facilities that could strain resources. There may also be debates on the role of private entities operating correctional facilities in complying with these standards, raising questions about accountability and the enforcement of health regulations.