Fair labor, safety, and expungement for incarcerated firefighters.
This Act introduces critical changes for incarcerated individuals working as firefighters, granting them the same occupational safety and minimum wage standards as other employees. A key provision is the opportunity to expunge certain criminal records after successfully completing their court-imposed sentence, which greatly facilitates societal reintegration and employment. Furthermore, the law establishes grant programs for job training and reentry assistance for former incarcerated firefighters.
Key points
Workplace Safety: Incarcerated firefighters gain protection under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), meaning correctional facilities must provide them with safe working conditions, similar to regular employees.
Minimum Wage: Incarcerated firefighters are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), guaranteeing them the right to minimum wage. Costs for board, lodging, or court-imposed fees cannot be included in their wage calculation.
Expungement of Records: Individuals who successfully complete their sentence (including probation and fine payments) can petition to have their criminal records related to the offense expunged, removing barriers to employment and daily life.
Reentry Support: Grant programs are established for job training, placement services, and mentoring for former incarcerated firefighters to help them secure full-time employment upon release.
Introduced
Citizen Poll