Report Title:
Education; Prison Inmates
Description:
Appropriates funds to the department of education for adult education programs for prison inmates to assist the transition to the community on release.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
1140 |
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TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that, given the problems associated with re-entry 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 workplace restrictions, housing 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, and education is the key for many former inmates.
The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of education adult education program to assist prison inmates 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 2007-2008, to establish:
(1) Special schooling or programs to encourage and provide opportunities for inmates exiting prison to obtain a general education development (GED) diploma to increase an inmate's opportunities to obtain employment in the community;
(2) A special school or schools at appropriate locations to accomplish the GED school initiative;
(3) Distance learning programs for inmates still incarcerated to facilitate educational opportunities;
(4) A permanent, personalized educational and job preparation plan for parolees and other releases who express a desire for additional education to prepare for a gainful employment; and
(5) A voluntary data tracking system to identify successful educational components.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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