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SB 309

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO WORK BY INMATES.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Spiros Mantzavinos and 10 co-sponsors

SB 309 would reform Delaware inmate work programs by changing eligibility, pay structures, supervision, and oversight to improve efficiency, safety, and reintegration.

Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 ABSENT
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 309

Bill Overview

  • Bill: SB 309
  • Session/Jurisdiction: Delaware, 153rd Legislature
  • Title: An Act to Amend Title 11 of the Delaware Code Relating to Work by Inmates
  • Committee Assignment: Corrections & Public Safety Committee (Senate)
  • Introduced / Action History: Introduced and assigned to Corrections & Public Safety Committee on 2026-05-08
  • Sponsors: Primary and co-sponsors include Stell Selby, Claire Snyder-Hall, Spiros Mantzavinos, Eric Morrison, Cyndie Romer, and Ray Seigfried

Purpose and Intent

SB 309 proposes amendments to how work by inmates is governed under Title 11 of the Delaware Code. While the exact text of the bill is not provided here, bills with this framing typically seek to modify:
- Eligibility for inmate work programs
- Compensation and wage structures for inmate labor
- Oversight and administration of inmate work assignments
- Access to work opportunities for inmates within correctional facilities
- Protections and requirements related to working conditions, safety, and training
The overall aim is usually to improve program efficiency, ensure appropriate oversight, and address issues related to inmate labor, budgeting, and post-release preparation.

Key Provisions (Anticipated Areas)

Note: The following points reflect common elements in statutes governing inmate work programs and are indicative of what SB 309 might address. The exact provisions should be verified against the final bill text.

  • Expansion or modification of inmate work programs: Clarifying which facilities or populations are eligible and the scope of permissible work activities (e.g., facility maintenance, manufacturing, public works, service-oriented tasks).
  • Compensation and wage structure: Rules governing how inmates are paid, including minimum wage considerations, wage rates, allocation of wages to victim restitution, savings, or program fees, and any caps or thresholds.
  • Supervision and safety requirements: Standards for supervision, training, safety protocols, and compliance with labor laws applicable to inmate labor.
  • Eligibility and enrollment criteria: Criteria for when an inmate may participate, including disciplinary status, program readiness, and length of sentence considerations.
  • Post-release implications: Provisions linking work program participation to parole, probation, or reintegration plans; potential impact on earned good-time credits or sentence reduction (if applicable in Delaware law).
  • Administration and oversight: Roles of the Department of Corrections and any new or existing commissions or boards in administering programs, reporting requirements, and auditing or evaluation provisions.
  • Funding and budgeting: Authorization of funding, equipment, facilities, and personnel necessary to implement or expand programs; authorization for cost-sharing or partnerships with community organizations.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Incarcerated individuals: Primary participants in work programs; changes could affect eligibility, compensation, and access to opportunities.
  • Correctional facilities and staff: Administrators, supervisors, and training coordinators responsible for implementing and monitoring inmate work assignments.
  • State and local government programs: Agencies or contracted providers that may host inmate labor or rely on inmate-produced outputs.
  • Victims and restitution recipients: Potential impacts on the allocation of wages toward restitution or dedicated accounts.
  • Public and community: Potential improvements in facility operation efficiency, reduced recidivism through work experience, and possible savings or revenue generation.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Committee review: SB 309 has been assigned to the Corrections & Public Safety Committee, indicating a legislative review process that will include hearings, potential amendments, and votes within the committee.
  • Floor consideration: Following committee approval, the bill would proceed to the Senate floor for full debate and passage, and then to the House of Representatives for consideration (and possible reconciliation if both chambers pass different versions).
  • Effective date: The bill will specify an effective date (e.g., upon enactment or a future date) and may include transitional provisions to implement new requirements.
  • Implementation plan: There may be a phased rollout, reporting milestones, and performance metrics to assess impact after enactment.

If you would like, I can tailor this summary to include direct language from the bill text or expand sections once the final bill version is available, including specific provisions, numeric details, and timeline dates.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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