946.008  Financing of correctional work programs.--

(1)  The Department of Corrections shall explore new financing arrangements, including the involvement of private industry and expertise within or outside the institutions, to the maximum extent allowed by law. Nothing in this section shall be construed or interpreted as authorizing or permitting the department to incur a state debt of any kind or nature as contemplated by the State Constitution in relation to such financing arrangements.

(2)  Except as otherwise provided by law, funds appropriated to the Correctional Work Program Trust Fund shall be utilized for the purpose of renovation of, addition to, or construction of facilities or implementation of correctional work programs, including academic or vocational training designed to meet the needs of the selected industry programs at the various correctional institutions as authorized pursuant to s. 946.006. Such renovation, addition, or construction shall utilize inmate labor.

(3)  A one-time sum of $500,000 shall be appropriated from the Inmate Welfare Trust Fund to the Correctional Work Program Trust Fund in fiscal year 1996-1997 to fund the provisions of this section. This sum shall be repaid by the department when the unencumbered balance in the Correctional Work Program Trust Fund equals $750,000 or more.

(4)  The correctional work program shall be efficient and shall stress productive labor for all inmates physically able to engage in it.

History.--s. 7, ch. 76-273; s. 42, ch. 96-312.