MontanaHB 57269th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Revise MCE prison industries training program laws

Sponsored By: John Fitzpatrick (Republican)

Became Law

Corrections

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Higher pay and rights in certified prison jobs

Inmates in federally certified prison-industry jobs must be paid at least the federal minimum wage or the local rate set by the federal Bureau of Justice. Those inmates are treated as employees and get coverage and benefits under state workers' compensation law. Inmates not in certified programs are not employees.

Pre-apprenticeship training for inmate builders

The Department of Corrections meets with labor unions and building trades. It runs a pre-apprenticeship for inmates in the prison construction program. Training follows industry standards to help them join the trades after release. This program ends December 30, 2026.

New deductions and charges from inmate wages

Until June 30, 2027, the program may take 15% of gross wages from inmates in federally certified jobs. The money pays court-ordered debts first; if none, it goes to the crime victims compensation account. Starting July 1, 2027, the program must take 15% on the same terms, with transfers made to the victims program for deposit in the state general fund. The program may also charge room and board and deposits those charges into its enterprise fund.

Contractors must repay workers' comp premiums

For federally certified prison-industry work, the program or the Department of Corrections pays workers' compensation and occupational disease premiums. If the department pays, any private company that contracts with the program must reimburse the department.

Larger inmate-built projects with bidding waivers

Inmate construction projects can happen only on Montana State Prison grounds. Each project is capped at $600,000 in total cost. The Department of Administration may waive public bidding, bonding, and some labor and wage rules for these authorized projects.

Wider markets and required buying for prison goods

The prison industries program can seek federal certification to sell goods across state lines. It may make motor vehicle license plates and related items. Prices must at least cover all raw material and labor costs and may match market prices. Correctional facilities may be required to buy needed goods and services from the program.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

John Fitzpatrick
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Derek Harvey
Democrat • Senate
Steve Fitzpatrick
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 280 • No: 14

House vote • 4/15/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 42 • No: 8

House vote • 4/14/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 42 • No: 4

House vote • 3/6/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 98 • No: 1

House vote • 3/4/2025