Chambers aims to kill bill on prisoner labor

LINCOLN – After three hours of discussion, one of three amendments proposed by Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha to a bill dealing with prison labor was passed Tuesday.

“I intend to take all the time that is necessary to kill this bill,” Chambers said.

The bill (LB52) would allow nonprofit organizations to hire prisoners for labor with no pay.

Chambers proposed amendments to eliminate nonprofit organizations from the proposed program and to eliminate the requirement that the labor would pay for the operating costs of the penitentiary. Both failed.

But his amendment to exclude organizations...