Bill to enhance correctional industries program advanced

A corrections program that provides employment for inmates would be enhanced under a bill given first-round approval March 18.

LB1080, introduced by Hastings Sen. Les Seiler, would increase the purchasing limit for Cornhusker State Industries (CSI) from $25,000 to $50,000. Seiler said the purchasing cap for CSI, the state Department of Correctional Services industries program, has not been raised since 1987.

The bill also would allow recycling of materials used by CSI in the production of goods and services, and allow CSI to retain the recycling proceeds in order to purchase raw materials for future projects.

“This is a really important project and program that has been in existence for a long time,” Seiler said, adding that CSI provides job training and other valuable skills to approximately 500 inmates on a daily basis.

The bill advanced to select file 29-0.