CONTRACTS FOR INMATE LABOR

(a) In this section: (1) "Agency" has the meaning assigned that term by Section 771.002. (2) "Local government" has the meaning assigned that term by Section 791.003. (b) The department shall seek contracts with agencies and local governments to provide inmate labor to those agencies and governments, with the department giving priority to seeking contracts for the use of inmate labor for service projects that benefit the public. (c) The department may not enter into a contract with an agency under this section unless the contract complies with Chapter 771 and may not enter into a contract with a local government under this section unless the contract complies with Chapter 791. A contract entered into under this section may provide that the department be reimbursed for expenses incurred by the division in providing inmate labor to the agency or local government. (d) The department shall make reasonable efforts to contract with nonprofit organizations that provide services to the general public and enhance social welfare and the general well-being of the community to provide inmate labor to those organizations. In entering contracts under this subsection, the department should give preference to nonprofit organizations that will use the inmate labor in a manner that increases the inmates' vocational skills.