Creates a temporary state commission to study and investigate issues affecting reentry of inmates released from correctional facilities; appropriation

2 Co-sponsors

• Leroy Comrie
• Liz Krueger

BILL NUMBER:S977

Title of bill

An act to create a temporary state commission to study and investigate issues affecting reentry of inmates released from correctional facilities; making an appropriation therefor; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose

To create a temporary state commission to study existing policies, laws and programs involving reentry and reintegration of inmates released from state and local correctional facilities and to make recommendations based on its findings.

Summary of provisions

Creates a New York State Criminal Justice Commission on Reentry to study issues, policies and programs important to the successful reintegration of people released from state and local correctional facilities, identify obstacles to reentry and report its findings and recommendations for legislative action to the Governor and the Legislature.

The temporary 18-member commission would include three members appointed by the speaker of the assembly, three members appointed by the temporary president of the senate, two members appointed by the minority leader of the senate and two members appointed by the minority leader of the assembly. Commission members shall be representative of community-based providers of employment, education, housing and other services needed by individuals returning to society from prison as well as criminal justice advocates and academic professionals in the field of criminal justice.

The remaining members shall be the head of/respective designee of the department of Correctional Services, Department of Criminal Justice Services, Division of Housing and Community Renewal, Department of Labor, Department of Education, Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives and the state Division of Parole.

Justification

Formerly incarcerated individuals face multiple barriers to their successful rehabilitation upon release from prison and return to community life. The availability of comprehensive resources for individuals who are re-entering community life following time served in prison does not meet their need for jobs, housing, rehabilitative and other services to help ensure their successful transition. The establishment of the New York State Criminal Justice Commission on Reentry is envisioned to help assess both the short and long term needs of men and women who are transitioning from prison to community life and the ability of New York State and community-based agencies to meet them.

Legislative history

2006: S.5977 - Died in Committee; 2008: S.2012 - Died in Committee; 2010: S.1269 - Died in Committee; 2012: S.106 - Died in Committee; 2013-2014: S.1328 - Died in Committee

Fiscal impact

$250,000 is appropriated for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this act.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately and shall continue in full force and effect until December 31 in the year next succeeding the year in which it shall have become law. Upon such time the provisions of this act shall expire and be deemed repealed.