SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SJR 8224

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 25, 1991

Brief Description:  Authorizing prisoners to work on state correctional facilities.

SPONSORS:Senators Wojahn, Newhouse and Oke.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Ben Barnes (786‑7465)

Hearing Dates:February 26, 1991

BACKGROUND:

The Washington State Constitution prohibits the employment of prisoners in a contract system of labor.  Several states, however, have apparently saved millions of dollars in construction costs by using inmate labor to build prisons.

It is recommended that the State Constitution be modified to allow the use of inmate labor in building or remodeling correctional facilities within the state.

SUMMARY:

The Legislature may authorize the use of inmate labor for the construction, remodeling or rehabilitation of state correctional facilities.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested