This bill proposes updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes regarding prisoner compensation and work programs. It maintains the current structure of compensation for prisoners engaged in productive work, which is determined by the director based on a graduated schedule, but it modifies the maximum compensation rate from one dollar fifty cents to $1.50 per hour. Additionally, it introduces provisions for compensation under private telecommuting contracts, allowing prisoners to earn at least $2 per hour when working under such contracts, replacing the previous minimum of two dollars. The bill also updates the language regarding mandatory deductions from prisoner wages, ensuring that the thresholds for dedicated discharge accounts are adjusted to $250 and $50 for life sentences, respectively. Furthermore, it allows for the director's designee to contract with various entities for prisoner labor and introduces the possibility for prisoners to TELECOMMUTE to provide services, expanding the scope of work opportunities available to them. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the compensation structure and work opportunities for prisoners while ensuring compliance with updated legal standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 31-254, 41-1624.01, 41-1624, 31-281, 35-146, 35-147, 31-284, 31-230, 31-261, 31-228, 41-1604.03, 41-1674