Appropriates funds to expand work release programs for women inmates.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The work release program, created administratively by the department of public safety, allows inmates to perform maintenance work on public property, such as state and county parks, roads, facilities, and conservation lands. The program is usually intended for inmates serving short sentences for nonviolent crimes. Work release helps to establish a pattern of positive inmate behavior while providing the department the opportunity to take corrective measures when necessary. It is one of the most effective ways to safely integrate offenders back into the communities. The legislature finds that work release opportunities should be provided for the benefit of women inmates, as well as male inmates.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to expand work release opportunities for qualifying women inmates.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006, and the sum of $ , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, to expand work release opportunities for qualifying women inmates.

SECTION 3. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of public safety for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.