Establishes a New York state prison labor board; repealer
Impact
The proposed bill responds to historical injustices within the prison labor system, which critics argue stems from a legacy tied to slavery. It seeks to abolish the long-standing practice of low wages (ranging from ten to sixty-five cents an hour) which have not seen an increase since 1993, and instead, requires that incarcerated workers receive at least minimum wage. The act also provides rights for incarcerated individuals to organize and collectively bargain, thereby enhancing their ability to negotiate better working conditions.
Summary
Bill A10626, known as the 'Fairness and Opportunity for Incarcerated Workers Act', aims to transform the existing prison labor system in New York by establishing a prison labor board. This board will ensure that labor programs comply with labor laws and focus on promoting successful rehabilitation, reentry, and reintegration for incarcerated individuals. The bill aims to eliminate forced labor and inappropriate practices where individuals are coerced into working against their will, instead mandating fair wages and safe working conditions.
Contention
There remains contention over whether the changes proposed by this bill will effectively address the systemic issues within the prison labor system or if they will face resistance from departments of corrections that benefit financially from current practices. Critics argue that simply raising wages and instituting a labor board may not be sufficient to restructure the inherent power dynamics between incarcerated individuals and correctional institutions. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the practicality and enforcement of these new labor conditions, especially given the complexity of current prison systems.
Notable_points
Bill A10626 also stipulates that any work programs within prisons must focus on rehabilitation rather than profit generation. It proposes a comprehensive review of existing labor conditions and mandates a system for monitoring compliance. Additionally, it includes provisions to protect the funds of incarcerated individuals from unwanted garnishments, ensuring that any earnings are rightfully credited to their accounts.
Same As
Establishes a New York state prison labor board to ensure that all labor programs comply with the requirements of the labor law and are for the purpose of promoting successful rehabilitation, reentry and reintegration into the community and not for the purpose of earnings or cost-savings which inure to the benefit the state or any private individual or corporation; prohibits the department of corrections and community supervision from unfairly attaching, garnishing or disbursing the funds of incarcerated individuals where such individuals have not requested disbursement; requires that all interest accumulated on incarcerated individuals' funds be credited to such individual's accounts; eliminates the preferred status of the department of corrections and community supervision regarding commodities and services furnished by the correctional industries program; repeals certain provisions of the state finance law relating to such preferred status.
Continues the New York state geological survey, originally established in 1836, as a bureau within the New York state science service; establishes the purposes and goals of the New York state geological survey.
Continues the New York state geological survey, originally established in 1836, as a bureau within the New York state science service; establishes the purposes and goals of the New York state geological survey.
Relates to the applicability of the New York state labor relations act if the federal national labor relations board declines jurisdictions it has previously held, determines certain provisions are outside the scope of its duties, cannot execute its duties, or where the national labor relations act is repealed or preempted so as to nullify its effectiveness.
Relates to the applicability of the New York state labor relations act if the federal national labor relations board declines jurisdictions it has previously held, determines certain provisions are outside the scope of its duties, cannot execute its duties, or where the national labor relations act is repealed or preempted so as to nullify its effectiveness.
Corrections: other; screening and treatment for post traumatic prison disorder; provide for and require certain other mental health screening, planning, and treatment of incarcerated individuals. Amends sec. 67 of 1953 PA 232 (MCL 791.267) & adds secs. 34e, 67c & 67d.
Corrections: prisoners; information on the pre-incarceration address of incarcerated individuals; provide to the independent citizens redistricting commission after the federal decennial census. Creates new act.