The "Ending Forced Labor Act" seeks to amend the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) by replacing the term "inmate" with "incarcerated person" throughout the legislation, promoting a more respectful approach to language. The bill aims to ensure fair competition for Washington businesses by prohibiting the establishment or expansion of correctional industries that could unfairly compete with them. It establishes a framework for various classes of work programs, allowing incarcerated individuals to participate voluntarily and mandating fair compensation, ensuring they receive at least the federal minimum wage or a comparable local wage for their labor.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the rights of incarcerated individuals regarding work program participation, stating that it is voluntary unless mandated by a court for community restitution. It protects individuals from punitive actions for opting out of these programs and emphasizes the importance of education, requiring participation in department-approved programs unless exempted. The legislation also includes provisions for financial aid, accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and a system to assess the inclusion of education and work programs in individual reentry plans, ultimately aiming to enhance the rehabilitation and reintegration of incarcerated individuals into society.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 72.09.015, 72.09.100, 72.09.130, 72.09.460