2018-03-05                     House Journal                      Page 2602
HB 402                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 402 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                                                   
the Governor, entitled:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act authorizing the commissioner of corrections to establish a                                                         
     correctional industries program; establishing a correctional                                                               
     industries board; authorizing the Department of Corrections to                                                             
     receive money from the employment of prisoners; and providing                                                              
     for an effective date."                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and                                                                
Finance Committees.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
1.  Fiscal, Dept. of Corrections                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The Governor's transmittal letter dated March 1 follows:                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
"Dear Speaker Edgmon:                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska                                                                   
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill establishing the Correctional                                                            
Industries Board and authorizing the Commissioner of Corrections to                                                             
establish a correctional industries program within the department.                                                              
                                                                                                                                
With over 90 percent of individuals incarcerated returning to our                                                               
communities it is important that we enable them to develop the skills                                                           
necessary to be successful when released.  One way to do this is to                                                             
provide them with real-world job experience.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
This bill will create a four-person board comprised of the                                                                      
Commissioner of Corrections, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce                                                                
Development and two members of a labor organization. The                                                                        
Commissioner will work through the Correctional Industries Board to                                                             
approve proposed industry programs, employment contracts, and                                                                   
agreements which will allow inmates to produce products or services                                                             
that can then be sold to public or private entities.                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2018-03-05                     House Journal                      Page 2603
Through these contracts and agreements, inmates will gain real-world                                                            
experience, be productive with their time, and learn new skills. The                                                            
public also benefits by being able to purchase quality services and                                                             
products that may not otherwise be available in the area. Additionally,                                                         
this legislation has the potential to create new economic growth and                                                            
expand development opportunities within existing industries.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
This bill is another tool in reducing recidivism while providing                                                                
industry with skilled workers.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Bill Walker                                                                                                                     
Governor"