AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COUNCIL ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

HB 5599 establishes a Corrections Education and Vocational Planning Group (CEVPG) to develop career and educational programming within Rhode Island's state prison system. This group will consider opportunities for incarcerated individuals, including higher education pathways. The CEVPG will assess labor market needs, facility requirements, and potential funding sources to create sustainable partnerships with higher education institutions. It will also work to identify and address barriers to academic program continuity and campus access upon release, with annual reports on its progress.