Report Title:

Education; Prison Inmates

Description:

Appropriates funds to the department of education for adult education programs for prison inmates to assist with their transition to the community upon release.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2302
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

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 inmate re-entry into the community, as well as the high rate of recidivism among the ex-offender population, programs that effectively assist in the transition of inmates from prison to the community are critical.  Once released from prison, an ex-offender faces must deal with various issues, such as workplace barriers, housing restrictions, and many other informal limitations as a result of prejudice against ex-offenders.

     The legislature further finds that a person's time in jail or prison costs society from $70 to $400 per day, depending upon the level of security measures required.  These costs can be dramatically reduced through the implementation of programs that assist with the inmate's post-incarceration community reintegration process.  For many ex-offenders, education is the key to their reintegration into the community.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of education adult education program to assist ex-offenders with successful reintegration into the community, so as to reduce recidivism, increase productivity, and support them to become productive, law-abiding citizens.

     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 2008-2009 to establish:

     (1)  Special schooling or programs to encourage and provide opportunities for an inmate exiting jail or prison to obtain a general education development diploma to increase opportunities to obtain employment in the community;

     (2)  A special school or schools at appropriate locations to complete the general education development diploma requirements;

     (3)  Distance learning programs for incarcerated inmates to facilitate educational opportunities;

     (4)  A permanent, personalized educational and job preparation plan for individuals on parole and others released into the community from jail or prison who express a desire for additional education to prepare for gainful employment;

     (5)  The assignment of a unique identifier by the department of education, such as number or code, to an ex-offender upon completion of the general education development diploma for the purpose of tracking the ex-offender into the workforce or a postsecondary educational institution; and

     (6)  A voluntary data tracking system to identify successful educational components that help ex-offenders mainstream into the community.

     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, 2008.

INTRODUCED BY:

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