California AB475 establishes a voluntary work program for inmates, prohibiting mandatory labor and setting compensation rules.

California AB475 mandates the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to create a voluntary work program for inmates, setting rules and regulations for voluntary work assignments. Effective January 1, 2027, the bill prohibits the department from requiring incarcerated persons to work. Compensation for work performed by inmates after this date will be included in the cost of fixing the final statutory price. Inmates engaged in productive labor outside of work programs may also be compensated.

California AB475 establishes a voluntary work program for inmates, prohibiting mandatory labor and setting compensation rules.

California AB475 mandates the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to create a voluntary work program for inmates, setting rules and regulations for voluntary work assignments. Effective January 1, 2027, the bill prohibits the department from requiring incarcerated persons to work. Compensation for work performed by inmates after this date will be included in the cost of fixing the final statutory price. Inmates engaged in productive labor outside of work programs may also be compensated.