The bill amends Section 42-56-22 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-56, titled "Corrections Department," to modify the provisions related to labor by persons committed to adult correctional institutions. The amendment allows individuals who are committed to these institutions, whether convicted, awaiting trial, or held on mesne process in civil or criminal actions, to perform labor at the discretion of the director or their designee. These individuals may be compensated up to $3.00 per day, which is credited to their accounts. The bill introduces a change in the amount of money that must be maintained in the accounts of prisoners: it increases the maximum amount from one thousand dollars ($1,000) to two thousand dollars ($2,000) for all prisoners except those serving life imprisonment without parole. The funds are to be turned over to the prisoners upon their release and can be used to pay for court fees and costs associated with legal actions.

The explanation provided by the Legislative Council clarifies that the purpose of the act is to increase the maximum amount of money that can be held in a prisoner's account from $1,000 to $2,000. This money is the property of the prisoner and is to be given to them when they are released from incarceration. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6491: 42-56-22