California Bill Would Create Voluntary Work Program for Inmates

The bill would take effect if voters in November pass an anti-slavery amendment barring forced inmate labor.

Inmate firefighters march past a U.S. flag as they put out hot spots from a wildfire in Santa Clarita, Calif., on Oct. 25, 2019. Mario Tama/Getty Images

Legislation signed July 2 by Gov. Newsom would create a voluntary work program for California inmates contingent upon the passage of an anti-slavery ballot measure in November.

Assembly Bill 628 would require the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to develop a work program and assignments for inmates in prisons and county and city jails who choose to participate.