Introduced by Sen. Jason Allen (R) on June 28, 2007, to allow the sale to private parties or businesses of “cut-and-sewn textiles” created by prison labor, if there is no private business in the state making the same or similar products. Under current law, the “Michigan Prison Industries” entity may only sell prisoner-made products to governments or non-profit organizations.
Referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on June 28, 2007.
Amendment offered in the Senate on September 18, 2007, to revise the proposed exception prohibiting prison sales if no private business in the state makes similar products so that is instead applies to products that are "comparable in style". The amendment passed by voice vote in the Senate on September 18, 2007.
Passed 37 to 0 in the Senate on September 18, 2007, to allow the sale to private parties or businesses of “cut-and-sewn textiles” created by prison labor, if there is no private business in the state making the same products or ones "similar in style." Under current law, the “Michigan Prison Industries” entity may only sell prisoner-made products to governments or non-profit organizations. Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"
Received in the House on September 18, 2007.
Referred to the House Judiciary Committee on September 18, 2007.
Substitute offered by Rep. Steve Tobocman (D) on September 30, 2007, to replace the previous version of the bill with one that specifies that the bill only applies if same product, or one that is comparable in style, is not manufactured by a private business in Michigan. The substitute passed by voice vote in the House on September 30, 2007.
Passed 101 to 8 in the House on September 30, 2007, to allow the sale to private parties or businesses of “cut-and-sewn textiles” created by prison labor, if there is no private business in the state making the same products or ones "similar in style." Under current law, the “Michigan Prison Industries” entity may only sell prisoner-made products to governments or non-profit organizations. Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"
Received in the Senate on September 30, 2007, to concur with the House-passed version of the bill. Passed 38 to 0 in the Senate on September 30, 2007. Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"
Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm on October 1, 2007.
1) eXddrimOQEHrSujd by Anonymous Citizen on March 20, 2008 r3T5dq Cool, bro! Reply
2) It Has by Anonymous Citizen on November 1, 2007 nothing to do with "slave labor". It has to do with the state competing with private business using cheap labor. This will run more business out of the state. Reply
3) Rep. Miller's "no vote explanation" by Admin003 on October 1, 2007 Rep. Miller, having reserved the right to explain his protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement:
"Mr. Speaker and members of the House:
Sorry folks, but this is too much like slave labor. Additionally, no information given about who will profit from this coercive production. This sounds like economic development straight out of Red China. I cannot vote for this. P.S. BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW."