inmate labor; wages

SB 1673 sets minimum wages for Arizona prison labor, requiring inmates working in state or contracted correctional industries programs to earn at least $1.50 per hour (or $2.00 per hour for private prison contracts). It mandates specific deductions from inmate earnings: 25% toward a savings account, 5% for a transition program, and portions for court fees or dependent care. The bill clarifies that inmates are not considered employees, so they do not qualify for workers' compensation or related benefits. These changes directly affect all Arizona prison inmates participating in correctional industries programs.