Sen. Patti Anne Lodge, is trying again with her legislation to expand inmate labor programs at Idaho agricultural operations.
Her bill last year, SB 1208, passed the Senate, 34-1, but was amended in the House, and the Senate opted not to go along with the amendment.
The Idaho Press reports, the measure would have expanded inmate farm labor programs to any Idaho agricultural operation, not just those involving production, harvesting or processing of perishable ag products.
This year’s bill does the same, but also changes the language of the current law to make clear that the inmates are in job-training programs, removing all references to “inmate labor.”
The committee voted unanimously to introduce the bill, clearing the way for a full hearing.