An Act establishing the re-entry works fund

This bill creates the Re-Entry Works Fund, a new financial resource managed by the Department of Career Services to assist formerly incarcerated individuals in Massachusetts with finding employment. The fund will be financed through state appropriations, private donations, and interest, and its money cannot be returned to the general state budget at the end of each year. These resources will support job training, wage subsidies, and essential services like transportation and childcare for people transitioning from prison to the workforce. Additionally, the bill requires the department to publish an annual report on program effectiveness and run public awareness campaigns to inform potential participants and employers about available services.