Requires that rehabilitation programs for female inmates in state correctional facilities be equivalent to those provided to male inmates elsewhere in the state

BILL NUMBER:A4809A

Title of bill

An act to amend the correction law, in relation to assuring rehabilitation programs for female inmates equivalent to programs afforded male inmates

Purpose of bill

To extend to the female inmate population, anywhere in the State, the same opportunity to participate in programs of rehabili- tation that are afforded to the male inmate population, thereby increas- ing the skills available to these women, while incarcerated, for which they may train to seek employment upon their release.

Effects of present law which this bill would alter

Adds new § 111 to the Correction Law.

Justification

There is a disparity in the types and numbers of voca- tional and industrial programs and classes accessible to women inmates during their incarceration as compared to those accessible to male inmates. Far fewer vocational programs are offered in state correction- al facilities for women as compared to men and the ones offered include traditionally female occupations. Far fewer industrial training shops are offered in female facilities as compared to male facilities. Where programs are available in women facilities, there are long wait lists such that those signed up may be released without having an opportunity to gain the skills they signed up for. Women are now entering non-tradi- tional occupations in great numbers, such as construction and building maintenance. Such work can be a major route out of poverty and help end recidivism for women, inasmuch as the wages for such work are greater than wages earned by women in traditionally female occupations. Many of the vocational and industrial programs offered to men train them to work in these occupations upon release. Without the appropriate skills, women will have more difficulty competing for those jobs upon their release from incarceration. This legislation will help ensure that relevant programs providing marketable skills and training designed to assist inmates obtain stable and gainful employment upon release are also available to incarcerated women.

Legislative history

2008; A.3126- Passed Assembly 2007; A.3126- Passed Assembly 2005-06; A.8173- Passed the Assembly 2004; A.4302- Assembly Calendar 2003; A.4302- Assembly Calendar 2002; A.4434- Rules Committee 2001; A.4434- Assembly Calendar 2000; A.3631- Rules Committee 1999; A.3631- Corrections Committee 1997-98; A.3889- Corrections Committee 1996; A.2336- Corrections Committee 1995; A.2336- Ways and Means Committee 1994; A.3518- Corrections Committee 1993; A.3518- Ways and Means Committee

1991-92; A.2718- Ways and Means Committee 1989-90; A.5728- Ways and Means Committee 1987-88; A.3493- Corrections Committee 1985-86; A.2944- Corrections Committee

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the 60th day after it shall have become a law.