Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Criminal Justice & Corrections Committee

HB 2023

Brief Description:  Establishing how many inmates may be employed in correctional industries work programs.

Sponsors:  Representatives Kagi and Tokuda.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Requires that no fewer than 2,600 inmates be employed in class I or class II correctional industries work programs for the period of June 30, 2000, through June 30, 2005.

Hearing Date:  2/23/01

Staff:  Katy Freeman (786‑7386).

Background: 

The Department of Corrections provides inmate work programs through the Division of Correctional Industries.  The Division of Correctional Industries develops and implements programs that offer inmates employment, work experience, and training.  Specifically, Correctional Industries operates five classes of work programs which are referred to as Class I through Class V programs.  All inmates working in Class I through IV employment receive financial compensation for their work.  Class V jobs are court ordered community work that is preformed for the benefit of the community without financial compensation.

The Class I work program consists of private sector companies that set up their businesses within state correctional facilities.  The companies produce goods and services for sale to the public, government, and non-profit agencies.  The companies provide management, on-site supervision, on‑the‑job training, and all machinery and equipment.  Offenders are paid wages comparable to those in the community.  The DOC provides industrial space, vocational training, a program coordinator, and custody supervision depending on the needs of the institution and the employer.

The Class II work program consists of businesses owned and operated by the state.  The businesses produce goods and services for sale to all government agencies in Washington, non‑profit organizations, and private companies for use in filling government contracts.  The program provides job training and work experience for offenders.  Institution staff manages the program.  Offenders are paid up to minimum wage.  Offenders perform work in various trades, including: furniture manufacturing and restoration, asbestos abatement, office support, and data services.

Additionally, under the Class II work program, minimum security offenders may work for public and non-profit agencies in the communities.  The agencies provide work supervision and pay up to the minimum wage.

Approximately 2,600 inmates are employed in Class I and Class II Correctional Industries work programs.

Summary of Bill: 

No fewer than 2,600 inmates must be employed in Class I or Class II correctional industries work programs for the period of June 30, 2000, through June 30, 2005.

The number of inmates employed in Class I or Class II correctional industries work programs may be increased to the extent of available funding.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 18, 2001.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.