The bill amends Section 42-56-22 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-56, titled "Corrections Department," to increase the maximum daily wage that prisoners at adult correctional institutions can earn for labor from three dollars ($3.00) to six dollars ($6.00). This applies to prisoners who are either convicted or awaiting trial, as well as those held on mesne process in civil or penal actions. The director of the department or their designee has the discretion to permit prisoners to labor and to credit their earnings to the prisoner's account, which is managed by the assistant director of administration or their designee.

The bill also stipulates that at least twenty-five percent (25%) of a prisoner's earnings, up to a maximum of one hundred dollars ($100) for those serving life sentences without parole and up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) for all other prisoners, must be maintained in the account. These funds are to be given to the prisoner upon release. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the funds in the account may be used to pay any court fees and costs associated with legal actions. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
665: 42-56-22