Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2622

Introduced
2/13/26  

Caption

Increases the minimum wage amount for any person committed to the adult correctional institution from $3.00 to $5.00 a day for every day the person shall labor.

Impact

The proposed increase in minimum wage for prison laborers can significantly impact the lives of individuals currently in correctional facilities. By raising the pay rate, the bill may help to reduce the financial burdens that these individuals face upon reentering society, allowing for savings that can aid in reintegration efforts. Supporters of this bill argue that it promotes a more humane treatment of prisoners and sets a precedent for fair labor practices within the correctional system. Additionally, it may encourage more meaningful rehabilitation through engagement in productive work.

Summary

Bill S2622, introduced in January 2026, seeks to amend the existing regulations concerning labor by individuals committed to adult correctional institutions. The primary focus of the bill is to increase the minimum wage for inmates permitted to labor from $3.00 to $5.00 per day for their work. This change reflects a growing recognition of the contributions made by incarcerated individuals who engage in labor as part of their rehabilitation and reentry process. The legislation aims to provide a fairer compensation framework that acknowledges the effort and skills of these individuals, while also allowing them to save for their eventual release.

Contention

While the bill focuses on improving the conditions and compensation of working inmates, it is not without contention. Opponents may argue that increasing the pay could lead to additional costs for correctional facilities. There could also be debates regarding the overall effectiveness of prison labor and its implications on the criminal justice system, including the argument that it may inadvertently support exploitative labor practices within prisons. Thus, discussions around S2622 likely involve both economic implications and the fundamental ethics of labor performed by incarcerated individuals.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0750

Increases the minimum wage amount for any person committed to the adult correctional institution from three dollars to five dollars a day for every day the person shall labor.

RI H5571

Increases minimum amount for required damages and time to perform appraisal from three days to four.

RI S0924

Requires that Medicaid enrollment be maintained or provided to all inmates in the first 30 days of incarceration at the adult correctional institutions within the department of corrections and the last 30 days of incarceration when possible.

RI S0140

Prohibits defendants who are serving probation for driving under the influence death resulting from earning good time off their probationary period.

RI H5176

Prohibits an educational institution or school district from accessing or using location data for tracking a student's institutional device or personal device, except in limited circumstances.

RI S0927

Increases, for persons subject to the Code of Ethics, the maximum value of an acceptable gift to $50.00 from a single interested person, but in no case can the gift have an aggregate value of more than $250 in any calendar year.

RI H5357

Repeals provisions that assess costs for women in the community corrections program for women offenders.

RI S0296

Repeals provisions that assess costs for women in the community corrections program for women offenders.

RI H5507

Gradually increases the minimum wage for employees receiving gratuities.

RI S0130

Changes the fine for any person convicted of a first violation of this chapter from $85 to $200, and increases the period of time that the violator may be ordered to pick up litter.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.