CHAPTER 152

An Act to amend and reenact § 58-38 of the Code of Virginia, relating
to outside employment of convicts.
[H 514]

Approved March 8, 1968

Re it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That § 58-38 of the Code of Virginia be amended and reenacted as
follows:
§ 53-38. Outside employment of convicts——While the convicts are
employed in any work on the public grounds, or property outside of the
penitentiary, they shall be attended by a sufficient guard and shall be
subject to the orders of such guard; excep! that the Director 1s authorized
to establish a work release program subject to such rules and regulations
as the Board may prescribe whercby a convict who has evidenced pro-
ficiency in any trade or occupation and shown himself to be trustworthy
may be employed by private individuals and corporations at their places
of business without guard during daylight hours only. The hours of
employment and compensation therefor shall be arranged by the Director
or shall be the same as those of regular emp!loyees in similar occupations.
Any wares earned shall be paid to the Director. who. after deductina a
sum sufficient to defray the prisoner’s keep and his pro rata share of the
cost of administering and supervising the program shall credit the balance
to the convict’s account or send it to his family. if the convict so chooses.
Any nriscner who has been placed on a work release program shall, while
outside the institution in which he is serving his sentence, be deemed to
be in custody whether or not he be under guard, and if he shall leave the
area in which he has been assigned to work or the vehicle or route
involved in his gcing to or coming from such place, he shall be found
guilty of escape as though he left the institution ttself.