NC S421

Repeals six existing prison labor statutes and renames Article 3 of Chapter 148 as the "Fair and Rehabilitative Prison Labor Act," establishing that work programs must be voluntary, rehabilitative, and fairly compensated with wages at least equal to state minimum wage for PIECP-certified programs or no less than $5.00 per hour for non-PIECP programs.

Prohibits prison labor from replacing or displacing migrant, seasonal, or documented agricultural workers, requiring the NC Department of Labor to conduct labor market assessments before approving prison labor contracts in the agricultural sector, and bans private farms from contracting directly with the Department of Adult Correction.

Creates a Prison Labor Oversight Board within the Department of Adult Correction to conduct annual audits, ensure PIECP compliance, investigate allegations of forced labor or wage exploitation, and establish a Prison Labor Complaint Hotline for anonymous reporting.

Requires semiannual reports to the Governor and General Assembly on prison labor programs, including hours worked, wages paid, job placement rates, revenue generated, and impact on non-incarcerated workers.

Updates statutory terminology throughout Chapter 148 to replace "prisoner," "inmate," and "convict" with "incarcerated individual," and becomes effective July 1, 2026.