AN ACT Relating to inmate work programs; amending RCW 72.09.070 and 72.09.080; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. Section 8, chapter 136, Laws of 1981 and RCW 72.09.070 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) There is created an institutional industries board of directors which shall have the composition provided in RCW 72.09.080.

(2) The board shall advise the department of corrections in adopting and implementing programs designed to:

(a) Offer inmates employment, work experience, and training in vocations which may provide opportunities for legitimate means of livelihood upon their release from custody.

(b) Provide industries which will reduce the tax burden of corrections through production of goods and services for sale and use.

(c) Operate correctional work programs in an effective and efficient manner which are as similar as possible to those provided by the private sector.

(3) In addition, the board of directors shall:

(a) Recommend to the director candidates for appointment as director of the institutional industries division.

(b) At least annually evaluate the work performance of the director of the institutional industries division and submit this evaluation to the secretary.

(c) Advise the director of the institutional industries division in the selection of, contracting for, and supervision of work programs with participating private-enterprise firms.

(d) Advise the director of the institutional industries division in the development and design of institutional industries work programs.

(e) Advise the secretary and the director of the institutional industries division in the investment of funds in institutional industry enterprises and work programs.

(f) Review and evaluate the productivity and appropriateness of all correctional work programs and report on their effectiveness to the director of the division and to the secretary.

(g) Review and evaluate on an on-going basis all financial reports for work programs.

(h) Prepare and transmit to the governor and legislature through the secretary the report required under RCW 72.60.280.

(4) Prior to the department engaging in or expanding any inmate work program, the board shall conduct a feasibility study outlining the potential benefits to inmates and the state, the program's cost-effectiveness and possible impact on existing industries within the state. The department shall actively solicit input from that sector of private industry directly affected by the proposed program.

The department shall not engage in any activity that will severely impact any existing industry in the state.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The board shall conduct a feasibility study as provided in this section on the existing sign shop program during 1987 and report to the legislature by December 1, 1987, outlining its findings.

Sec. 3. Section 9, chapter 136, Laws of 1981 and RCW 72.09.080 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The institutional industries board of directors shall consist of nine voting members. Seven members shall be appointed by the secretary and shall serve three-year staggered terms. Initially, the secretary shall appoint two members to one-year terms, two members to two-year terms, and three members to three-year terms. In addition, the secretary and the director of the institutional industries division shall be ex officio members. The speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate shall each appoint one member from each of the two largest caucuses in their respective houses. The legislators so appointed shall be nonvoting members and shall serve two-year terms, or until they cease to be members of the house from which they were appointed, whichever occurs first. The seven members appointed by the secretary shall include at least three representatives from ((~~both~~)) labor and industry.

(2) The board of directors shall elect a chairman and such other officers as it deems appropriate. However, the chairman may not be the secretary or the director of the institutional industries division.

(3) The voting members of the board of directors shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed by the department for travel expenses under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060, as now or hereafter amended. Legislative members shall be reimbursed under RCW 44.04.120, as now or hereafter amended.

(4) The secretary shall provide such staff services, facilities, and equipment as the board shall require to carry out its duties.