To amend chapter 217, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to authorized work programs for inmates.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS:

     Section A. Chapter 217, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 217.257, to read as follows:

     217.257. 1. Offenders may be employed at such labor, in such places and under such regulations within the state as may be determined by the department, subject to other provisions of law. The department is expressly authorized to establish posts, camps, stations or work crews in conjunction with labor, discipline or rehabilitation programs.

     2. The department is further authorized to require offenders to participate in programs designed to improve their physical, mental or psychological well-being, or programs designed to instill discipline and a sense of responsibility.

     3. The department is authorized to adopt rules and regulations, to enter into contracts and to take any other action necessary to implement the programs outlined in this section. Rules and regulations shall be adopted as required under section 536.024, RSMo.

     4. The department shall take all reasonable steps to protect the public from offenders in work programs, and in no case shall an offender convicted of first degree murder, as defined in section 565.020, RSMo, first degree assault, as defined in section 565.050, RSMo, forcible rape, as defined in section 566.030, RSMo, or forcible sodomy, as defined in section 566.060, RSMo, be placed in a work program under this section.

     5. Offenders participating in work programs under this section shall wear distinctive, colored uniforms and may be required to wear shackles and chains.

     6. No offender shall have a legal cause of action because such offender is required to participate in a work program authorized under this section, and no offender assigned to such a program shall be considered an employee of the state, any city or county, or any public, private or charitable entity for the purpose of determining benefits for work performed, nor shall the services performed by the offender be deemed employment within the meaning of the provisions of chapter 287 or chapter 288, RSMo.