SB302 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Corrections Department, prison industries, sale of products further provided for, operation of joint venture with private businesses, authorized, Secs. 14-7-7, 14-7-22 am'd.

Summary

The bill would allow the Department of Corrections to partner with private industry to run on-site work programs using inmate labor as rehabilitation, with wage and funding rules.

What This Bill Does

It would authorize the DOC to contract with private companies to create joint plants or services on DOC property or within prison facilities to provide work-based rehabilitation. Inmates could participate voluntarily, earn at least the prevailing private-sector wage, and have earnings managed by the department (with up to 40% withheld for costs and restitution). Products would be marketed by private partners, not the DOC, and the DOC and partners would have certain contractual flexibilities, including rental/lease arrangements and exemptions from some bidding laws. The bill also preserves funding for prison education programs and ensures the earnings process complies with relevant laws.

Who It Affects

• Incarcerated inmates who may participate in on-site work programs and earn wages (voluntary participation, wage protections, and earnings handling)
• Private companies or individuals who partner with the DOC to operate prison-related work programs and markets products/services

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the DOC to contract with private individuals, enterprises, partnerships, or corporations to develop joint plants, factories, or commercial enterprises using inmate labor on DOC property or prison facilities.
• Requires inmate participation to be voluntary and informed of employment conditions; sets wage standards at not less than prevailing private-sector wages; defines earnings management, with up to 40% withheld for costs and restitution and the remainder credited to the inmate’s DOC account.
• Products or services produced under these contracts must be marketed by private partners; the DOC cannot market them directly.
• Allows rental or lease of state buildings or land for facilities; provides exemptions from certain competitive bidding laws and other code provisions for contracts related to the program.
• Preserves funding for prison education programs in two-year colleges and states that these programs should not be reduced as a result of this act.
• Inmates are not considered state employees and are not entitled to employee benefits; the program complies with the Federal Prison Industries Enhancement Act.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Corrections Department