41-6-303 - Disposition of proceeds from inmate-produced items. - Tennessee Statutes

41-6-303. Disposition of proceeds from inmate-produced items.

(a)  Any inmate producing arts and crafts items for sale pursuant to this part shall, pursuant to policies established by the commissioner, pay from moneys received from sales, and the commissioner may deduct therefrom in the following order:

     (1)  A maximum of fifteen percent (15%) to the victim of any crimes committed by the inmate to the extent such victim's loss as determined by a written agreement or judgment under title 29, chapter 13, part 1, and thereafter to any state fund established by law to compensate victims of crime;

     (2)  Room and board in an amount to be determined by the department;

     (3)  A percentage of the remainder to be determined by the commissioner, after prior deductions under subdivisions (a)(1) and (2), to the spouse and children or legal guardian of the inmate's children; and

     (4)  All remaining funds to the inmate's personal trust account.

(b)  No inmate may accumulate more than five hundred dollars ($500) in the inmate's personal trust account from arts and crafts sold pursuant to this part. This five hundred dollar ($500) limitation shall be cumulative and shall remain in effect for as long as the inmate is incarcerated. If funds remain from the sale of arts and crafts after the inmate' s five hundred dollar ($500) personal trust account limitation has been reached, the excess funds shall be distributed as provided in subdivisions (a)(1)-(3).

(c)  Any amounts deducted pursuant to this section shall be payable in such manner as the commissioner may by policy prescribe.

[Acts 1997, ch. 336, § 1.]