HB30 Alabama 2012 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jim McClendon
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2012
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: HB30 would allow the Department of Corrections to partner with private industry to run on-site work programs and joint ventures in prisons to provide inmate job training and rehabilitation.
What This Bill Does
The bill authorizes the Department of Corrections to contract with private industry to create on-site work programs inside DOC facilities or other prison housing. It allows private joint ventures where inmates work for private entities, with participation voluntary and informed, and requires wages at least the prevailing private-sector rate. Earnings are handled through the department, with up to 40% withheld for confinement costs, remaining funds credited to the inmate’s account, and the private partner marketing the products produced.

Who It Affects
Incarcerated inmates who may participate in on-site private industry programs (participation voluntary, wages, and earnings handling).
Private sector companies and the Department of Corrections (opportunities for joint ventures and contracted facilities, plus related property use, marketing arrangements, and procurement exemptions).

Key Provisions
Authorizes the Department of Corrections to contract with private individuals, enterprises, partnerships, or corporations to develop on-site work programs and joint plants using inmate labor.
Facilities must be on property owned or operated by the department or at any prison facility housing inmates.
Participation is voluntary and inmates must be informed of employment conditions.
Inmates must earn at least the prevailing wage for similar private-sector work; earnings are paid to the department; up to 40% may be withheld to cover confinement costs; remaining funds go to the inmate’s department account; any court-ordered restitution may also be withheld up to 40%.
All products produced under these contracts are marketed by the private party; the department may not market them.
The department may enter rental or lease agreements for state buildings or land to run the programs; such agreements are exempt from certain procurement and competitive bid laws.
Both the Department of Corrections and contracting private parties are exempt from specified penalties under certain code sections; no reduction in prison education programs funded by the Education Trust Fund.
Programs must comply with the Federal Prison Industries Enhancement Act (18 U.S.C. §1761(c)).
Inmates are not considered state employees and do not receive state employee benefits.
Effective immediately upon the governor’s approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Corrections Department