Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 145

Bill Title: Correctional Services - Maryland Correctional Enterprises - Goods and Services

Bill Sponsor(s): Dept. Public Safety & Corrections

Subject: Miscellaneous

Committee: JPR

Bill Summary: This bill would remove the prohibition on Maryland Correctional Enterprises (MCE) selling services performed by inmates on the open market. The bill would also authorize MCE to sell goods on the open market to an individual employed by the state.

History: None

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: It is unfair competition for Maryland businesses to have to compete in the marketplace against services offered by prison-based workers. Few, if any, of the labor laws imposed by the state on private businesses apply to such laborers, while the state subsidizes the cost of facilities and equipment used by prison laborers to compete with the private sector. The state should not be in the business of competing with private sector service companies.

Position Statement: Coming Soon

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.