Committee Concurred in Bill Expanding Prison Vocational Programming, Project Cap and Pre‑Apprenticeship Pilot

Representative John Fitzpatrick (House District 76) presented House Bill 572, which makes several changes to the Montana Correctional Enterprises program at the state prison in Deer Lodge. The bill adds language clarifying inmate education as a program function; raises the maximum value of an individual project from $200,000 to $600,000; restricts inmate labor to work inside Montana State Prison (no work transported outside the prison); and directs the director of corrections to meet with organized labor to develop a pre‑apprenticeship training program.

Scott Eichner, Rehabilitation and Programs Chief for the Department of Corrections, testified in support and said the department is willing to answer technical questions. Amanda Frickl of the Montana AFL‑CIO (speaking also for the State Building and Construction Trades Council) noted negotiated amendments and said vocational opportunities for incarcerated Montanans can reduce recidivism and provide livable‑wage employment upon release.

Senators asked about termination language for the pre‑apprenticeship pilot and whether the bill’s language limits program flexibility to the Deer Lodge prison; department staff said the provision is specific to the state prison and the bill as written does not apply to the women's prison at this time. The committee concurred in HB572 during executive action and returned the measure with its recommendation.