Participant Facilitated Recidivism Reduction Program

The act requires the department of corrections (department) to contract with a third-party organization to assign an employee of the organization (program developer) to develop and study strategies for implementing a pre-release and reentry program (program) at the Sterling correctional facility (facility). The program must be designed in consultation with the facility's residents and provide program participants with resources to support their rehabilitation and to reduce recidivism. The act requires the department to allow the program developer to work in the facility with residents. The program must provide participants with training in skilled or professional trades and other employment-focused activities, education in skills beneficial to a participant following release from confinement, and mental and behavioral health counseling sessions. The program developer is required to report, on or before December 31, 2023, to the house of representatives judiciary committee, the senate judiciary committee, and the department, about the development of the program. The act requires the department to begin operating the program at the facility no later than September 1, 2024. The act appropriates $100,000 from the general fund to the department for contract services related to the program. APPROVED by Governor June 2, 2023 EFFECTIVE June 2, 2023 (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)