§ 17-29-105 — Minimum security off-grounds work programs - authorized

(1)
The executive director, in collaboration with the division of correctional industries,
may establish an external work program for any appropriate medium, minimum, and
minimum-restrictive inmates. The purpose of the program is to provide employment
opportunities for such inmates, to reinforce the rehabilitation of such inmates, and
to provide inmates with the necessary skills and appropriate work ethics in
reentering the work force and their communities. Under the program, inmates may
be assigned to appropriate work assignments through employment agreements
with any federal, state, or local governmental agency; nonprofit agency; or private
person or entity. The executive director shall determine appropriate work
assignments. Employment agreements must comply with criteria established by the
executive director pursuant to section 17-20-115; except that such criteria may
include but is not limited to the following requirements:

(a) That a requesting agency outline in detail any work to be performed by
inmates, the period of time for completing the project, and the respective
responsibilities of the requesting agency and the department of corrections in
connection with the project agreement;

(b) That a requesting agency provide any necessary materials, equipment,
and transportation or defray operational costs of state vehicles;

(c) That appropriate security be provided at all times. In connection with this
requirement, agencies may contract with the department of corrections for the
department to provide such security.

(d) That a requesting agency ensure that any person who supervises an
inmate in connection with a work project be trained by department of corrections
personnel to supervise correctional inmates. Such training may be provided by
department of corrections personnel.

(e) That the number of inmates supervised by one person not exceed ten;

(f) That a requesting agency comply with any reporting requirements
established by the executive director in connection with an off-grounds work
project and the inmates participating in such project;

(g) That an inmate receive security clearance to leave a correctional facility
by the classification officer or committee and receive approval from the executive
director;

(h) That inmates are compensated at the state minimum wage, in accordance
with the provisions of this title 17, and with the department inmate pay regulation
provisions with respect to deductions.

(2) Repealed.

(3) The executive director may appoint one or more designees to perform the
duties and functions set forth in this section.

Legislative History

Source: L. 95: Entire section added, p. 876, � 11, effective July 1. L. 2000: IP(1) amended, p. 849, � 48, effective May 24. L. 2022: IP(1) and (1)(h) amended and (2) repealed, (SB 22-050), ch. 51, p. 246, � 13, effective March 30.