AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PRISONS AND PRISONERS.
Summary
HB291 amends Title 11 of the Delaware Code governing prisons and prisoners by adding a new restriction on inmate labor. The bill directs the Department of Corrections not to enter into, renew, or extend any contract or arrangement with a for-profit entity for the use of inmate labor. In practical terms, it bars the state prison system from using incarcerated workers in private, profit-driven contractual arrangements.
The bill expressly preserves existing authority for outside employment and work release under Section 6533, so it does not eliminate all inmate work opportunities. Instead, it targets only contracts with for-profit entities, leaving other correctional work programs intact. The measure is framed as a narrow amendment to inmate labor policy rather than a broader overhaul of prison operations.
Impact
If enacted, HB291 would change Delaware correctional law by limiting the Department of Corrections’ contracting authority under Section 6532 of Title 11. It would prohibit future, renewed, or extended agreements with for-profit companies for inmate labor, affecting private vendors and any correctional labor arrangements structured through commercial contracts. The bill would not affect outside employment or work-release programs authorized under Section 6533.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill had meaningful support but not unanimity in the House, passing third reading 33-6. That vote pattern indicates generally favorable sentiment toward restricting for-profit use of inmate labor, while also showing some opposition or concern from a minority of members. No committee transcript is available, so the broader discussion record is limited.
Contention
The main point of contention is the prohibition on for-profit use of inmate labor, which may raise concerns about prison management, labor availability, and the role of private entities in correctional programs. Supporters appear to favor ending or limiting commercial exploitation of incarcerated workers, while opponents likely worry about operational flexibility or the economic effects on existing arrangements. The bill’s carve-out for outside employment and work release suggests an effort to distinguish private prison labor contracts from rehabilitative work programs.