Committee hears HB 291 to bar DOC contracts with for‑profit inmate‑labor programs; DOC said to support codifying current practice

Sen. Hofner introduced House Bill 291 to the Senate Corrections and Public Safety Committee, saying the bill would prohibit the Delaware Department of Corrections from entering into contracts with for‑profit entities to use inmate labor. Hofner said some states pay incarcerated workers far less than minimum wage, described the practice as ‘‘morally wrong’’ when private companies profit from low inmate pay, and cited estimated national contract figures, saying such contracts generate about $9,000,000,000 in services and $2,000,000,000 in goods annually.

Hofner said the act would not apply to outside employment and work release — which he described as vital for reentry and already governed by existing law requiring minimum‑wage pay for those programs. He told the committee the Department of Corrections supports the legislation because it codifies current department practice; a DOC representative (Paul Shavock) was not present to testify.

Sen. Poore asked how the bill arose and emphasized ensuring post‑incarceration employment pathways, citing union engagement and training opportunities for people leaving prison (including women who expressed interest in skilled trades). Poore asked to be added to the bill as a sponsor.

No preregistered virtual public commenters were recorded for HB 291 and staff closed virtual public comment after waiting; the committee adjourned without a recorded vote on the measure in the transcript.