SB 309

This legislation slightly changes how money earned by inmates is handled. It removes the Department of Corrections’ authority to deduct wages from incarcerated individuals for a proportionate share of the costs of their incarceration, referred to as room and board charges. Work-release programs are intended to prepare individuals for successful reentry into society, but by requiring inmates to pay for their own incarceration, the potential for that successful reentry is greatly limited. By allowing these individuals to retain more of the wages they earn, we increase their opportunity to become self-sufficient and productive members of our communities. Furthermore, the Department of Corrections only collects an average of $40,356 annually in room and board fees from incarcerated individuals, while it costs the Plummer Center $137,407.20 to manage, collect, penalize, and process room and board fees in 2024. Senate Bill 309 improves reintegration and saves the state money. Please note, this bill does not eliminate other financial obligations of incarcerated individuals. Child support, restitution to victims, court costs, fines, and other court-ordered payments remain in place and continue to be deducted as required by law.