Appropriates funds for the administration of programs to reduce the return of former inmates to prison by providing opportunities for successful reintegration into the community.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that, given the problems associated with reentry as well as the high rate of recidivism among the former inmate population, programs that effectively assist the transition of former inmates from prison to the community are critical. Once released from prison, a former inmate faces such issues as housing restrictions, workplace restrictions, as well as the many informal restrictions as a result of prejudice against former offenders.

The legislature further finds that a person’s stay in a jail or prison costs society from $70 to $400 per day, depending upon the level of security measures involved. These costs can be dramatically reduced through the implementation of programs to assist these individuals' post-incarceration community integration. For example, Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc., administers the Being Empowered and Safe Together (BEST) program, in collaboration with the department of public safety and funded by federal funds for the "Going Home" pilot program, which is designed to serve individuals who are preparing to return to the Maui community after incarceration.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to support non-profit organizations, such as Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc., that implement programs for former inmates to assist them in successful reintegration into the community, so as to reduce recidivism and increase productivity in the community.

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 same sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for the development and maintenance of former inmate reintegration programs by non-profit organizations within the State.

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.