This bill seeks to amend Nebraska law to ensure that inmates in city and county jails, as well as those employed by the Department of Correctional Services, receive at least the minimum wage for their work. It introduces new definitions for terms such as "administrator," "inmate," and "jail," and requires jail administrators to open deposit accounts for inmates earning wages. The legislation emphasizes the protection of inmates' rights, prohibits excessive labor and the use of restraints during work, and mandates that inmate employment should not displace existing workers. Additionally, it requires the Jail Standards Board to establish regulations regarding labor conditions and compensation rates.

The bill also repeals certain provisions related to the establishment of industries and farms by the Department of Correctional Services and modifies the Wage and Hour Act to classify inmates as employees, ensuring compliance with federal workplace safety laws. It mandates annual reporting on restitution collection from inmate wages and outlines the responsibilities of jail administrators in managing inmate employment and compensation. Furthermore, it specifies that wages earned by individuals authorized to work in the community will be credited to their deposit accounts, enhancing the financial management and rights of individuals in correctional facilities while ensuring adherence to labor standards and due process protections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 29-2414, 29-2415, 29-2708, 33-157, 47-208, 48-1202, 73-814, 81-1835, 83-183, 83-183.01, 83-184, 83-184.01, 83-187, 83-917