Bill would make many prison work programs voluntary, bar punishment for refusing to work

The Senate Human Services Committee heard testimony on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1233, a bill that would make participation in most correctional work programs voluntary and bar disciplinary or punitive actions for incarcerated people who choose not to participate.

Committee staff Kelsey Ann Fung summarized the bill. She noted the Department of Corrections operates five classes of work programs and that current law links participation and program behavior to the receipt or denial of earned early release days and other privileges. Under the engrossed substitute, incarcerated people would not be required to work except when ordered by a court for community restitution (class 5). If a person voluntarily agrees to participate in a program, they would still be required to comply with established rules for attendance and disenrollment. The bill would prohibit reducing earned…