Legislation would allow inmate labor at rest stops in Virginia

Yes, Virginia, the rest stops are open again. But to make them more affordable for the state, prison inmates may soon be working at the stops, cutting grass, cleaning and doing routine maintenance. As part of his government-reform initiative, Gov. Bob McDonnell wants to change the state code so inmates can work along interstate highways and maintain the state’s 42 rest stops, but he needs General Assembly approval. The proposal cleared a Senate subcommittee Wednesday.