This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to expand eligibility for the state convict road force to all inmates, regardless of sex. Specifically, it removes the term "male" from the eligibility criteria and replaces it with "persons convicted of a felony." Additionally, the bill updates the terminology related to the correctional facilities and the overseeing authority, changing "the penitentiary" to "a correctional facility" and "road commission" to "Division of Highways."

The bill aims to ensure that all individuals sentenced to imprisonment for felony convictions can participate in the state convict road force, which is responsible for building, surfacing, and maintaining roads under the supervision of the state Highways Commissioner. This change reflects a more inclusive approach to inmate labor and aligns with contemporary views on gender equality within the correctional system.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17-5-1