PA HB2154

Establishes the Prison Industry Enhancement Authority, a 9-member body including representatives from the Department of Corrections, Labor and Industry, organized labor, business community, and the Victim Advocate, to oversee joint ventures between correctional facilities and private industry employing incarcerated individuals.

Requires incarcerated workers to be paid wages comparable to private industry rates in the local workforce area, with at least minimum wage, and limits work to 40 hours per week; participation must be voluntary with written consent to wage deductions.

Mandates wage deductions of 5-20% for victim compensation funds and restitution, plus deductions for taxes, room and board, and family support, with total deductions capped at 80% of gross wages and at least 30% retained by the worker.

Prohibits private sector prison industries from displacing civilian workers, operating in areas with labor surpluses, impairing existing contracts, or employing incarcerated individuals in positions affected by labor disputes or strikes.

Takes effect 120 days after enactment and explicitly prohibits privatization of correctional facilities; incarcerated workers are not considered state or county employees but receive protections under federal labor standards, OSHA, anti-discrimination laws, and workers' compensation.