Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Corrections Work Furlough topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate committees OK using eligible inmates on work furlough for state roadway maintenance, with oversight concerns noted
Summary
SCR 32 and SR 18, which request DCR and DOT collaborate to use inmate work furlough programs for state roadway and highway maintenance, passed committee; oversight commissioners urged protections including minimum wage and safeguarding release timing.
Senators on March 24 approved SCR 32 and SR 18 asking the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to collaborate with the Department of Transportation to use eligible inmates on work furlough programs for roadway and highway maintenance.
The Correctional System Oversight Commission supported the intent but expressed concerns about extending the furlough program to this use. Commissioner Taney said the program’s purpose is to “provide eligible inmates with an opportunity to actively job seek, establish financial stability, develop social skills and find appropriate housing prior to release,” and emphasized the department’s furlough definition as “an authorized unescorted temporary leave of absence from a designated facility or residence.” Taney said it is important that inmates on work furlough earn at least minimum wage so they can pay restitution, child support and save for reentry needs, and stressed that participation should not affect the timing of release from custody.
Department representatives filed written testimony in support and were available for questions. Deputy Director Shishito and others indicated support on the record. Frank Schultz also testified in support.
The committees voted to pass the resolutions. The Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass as is; the Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts took the same action and passed SCR 32 and SR 18 unamended.
The record shows committee attention to protecting reentry earnings and preserving the program’s intent; specific implementation details (wage rates, supervision, liability, health and safety protocols) were not finalized in the hearing and will need to be worked out between DCR and DOT.
