The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 173 concerning the Department of Correction specialized vocational program. Sponsor Rep. Washburne explained that this bill permits the Department of Correction to establish a specialized vocational program to train minimum security inmates in trades such as truck driving, manufacturing, plumbing, construction, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Testimony in favor of the bill was received by a representative of the Indiana Department of Correction, as well as a representative of the Indiana Motortruck Association. Rep. Washburne introduced an amendment to include “diesel technology” among the vocational trades specified in the bill DOC can train inmates. The amendment was adopted by consent. In discussing trades listed in the bill, the Committee wanted to ensure DOC is not limited on trades it can train inmates on, so an amendment was also introduced to clarify that DOC has discretion on what trades it may offer in its vocational programming. This amendment was adopted by consent. Two other non-substantive, technical amendments were offered and adopted by consent. The bill passed, as amended, 8-0.
Read the bill at http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2015/bills/senate/173.