Amended IN Senate March 26, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 75Introduced by Senator Smallwood-CuevasJanuary 15, 2025 An act to add and repeal Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 14050) of Chapter 3 of Division 7 of the Unemployment Insurance Code, relating to employment.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 75, as amended, Smallwood-Cuevas. Employment: Postrelease apprenticeships. Reentry Pilot Project.Existing law provides for various employment programs to assist formerly incarcerated individuals in finding and retaining employment, including the Pre-Release Construction Trades Certificate Program administered by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Prison to Employment Program administered by the California Workforce Development Board.Existing law establishes the California Workforce Development Board as the body responsible for assisting the Governor in the development, oversight, and continuous improvement of Californias workforce investment system and the alignment of the education and workforce investment systems to the needs of the 21st century economy and workforce.This bill would, subject to an appropriation and until January 1, 2030, require the board to establish a Reentry Pilot Project in the Counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego to provide workforce training and transitional support to formerly incarcerated individuals committed to careers in the skilled trades. The bill would require the board to designate a qualified nonprofit organization in each pilot county for specified duties, including the management and monitoring of funds. The bill would require a qualified nonprofit organization to provide certain stipends to eligible participants, including a transportation stipend to ensure accessibility to training and employment sites. The bill would require apprenticeship training that is affiliated with a union to be defrayed by underwriting 25% of the total cost per participant. The bill would require the board to evaluate the program based on specified outcomes and submit a report to the Legislature, no later than 6 months following the conclusion of the pilot project, assessing the pilot projects effectiveness and feasibility for statewide expansion.Existing law establishes the Pre-Release Construction Trades Certificate Program within the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to increase employment opportunities in the construction trades for incarcerated persons upon release. Existing law requires the department to establish a joint advisory committee, composed of representatives from specified organizations and state agencies, for the purpose of implementation of the program and specifies the duties of the committee with respect to the program.This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to postrelease apprenticeship programs.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NOYES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) The successful reentry of formerly incarcerated individuals is critical to reducing recidivism and fostering economic self-sufficiency.(b) The Counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego receive a large percentage of formerly incarcerated individuals released from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and have highly developed public agencies and nonprofits focused on reentry services.(c) A structured, statewide model for reentry workforce training is necessary to optimize resources and create a replicable system for future expansion.(d) The California Workforce Development Board has demonstrated success in administering workforce training programs and is well positioned to oversee a Reentry Pilot Project focused on training formerly incarcerated individuals for careers in the skilled trades.SEC. 2. Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 14050) is added to Chapter 3 of Division 7 of the Unemployment Insurance Code, to read: Article 4.5. Reentry Pilot Project14050. (a) For purposes of this section, board means the California Workforce Development Board.(b) The board shall establish a Reentry Pilot Project in the Counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego to provide workforce training and transitional support to formerly incarcerated individuals committed to careers in the skilled trades.(c) Under the pilot project, the board shall designate a qualified nonprofit organization in each pilot county to manage and monitor funds and be accountable to the board for proper expenditure and reporting.(d) A qualified nonprofit organization shall provide the following stipends to eligible participants:(1) A transportation stipend to ensure accessibility to training and employment sites.(2) An equipment stipend to cover necessary tools and protective gear.(3) A living cost and technology stipend to support housing stability and access to digital resources.(e) Under the pilot project, apprenticeship training that is affiliated with a union shall be defrayed by underwriting 25 percent of the total cost per participant.(f) The board shall evaluate the program based on the following outcomes:(1) Participant employment rates and retention in skilled trade careers.(2) Reduction in recidivism rates among program participants.(3) Long-term fiscal impact, including cost savings from reduced incarceration rates compared to program expenditures.(g) (1) No later than six months following the conclusion of the pilot project, the board shall submit a comprehensive report to the Legislature assessing the pilot projects effectiveness based on outcomes evaluated under subdivision (f) and feasibility for statewide expansion.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(h) (1) This article shall become operative only upon an appropriation of funds by the Legislature for the purposes of this article.(2) This article shall remain in effect until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.SECTION 1.It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to postrelease apprenticeship programs.
Amended IN Senate March 26, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 75Introduced by Senator Smallwood-CuevasJanuary 15, 2025 An act to add and repeal Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 14050) of Chapter 3 of Division 7 of the Unemployment Insurance Code, relating to employment.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 75, as amended, Smallwood-Cuevas. Employment: Postrelease apprenticeships. Reentry Pilot Project.Existing law provides for various employment programs to assist formerly incarcerated individuals in finding and retaining employment, including the Pre-Release Construction Trades Certificate Program administered by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Prison to Employment Program administered by the California Workforce Development Board.Existing law establishes the California Workforce Development Board as the body responsible for assisting the Governor in the development, oversight, and continuous improvement of Californias workforce investment system and the alignment of the education and workforce investment systems to the needs of the 21st century economy and workforce.This bill would, subject to an appropriation and until January 1, 2030, require the board to establish a Reentry Pilot Project in the Counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego to provide workforce training and transitional support to formerly incarcerated individuals committed to careers in the skilled trades. The bill would require the board to designate a qualified nonprofit organization in each pilot county for specified duties, including the management and monitoring of funds. The bill would require a qualified nonprofit organization to provide certain stipends to eligible participants, including a transportation stipend to ensure accessibility to training and employment sites. The bill would require apprenticeship training that is affiliated with a union to be defrayed by underwriting 25% of the total cost per participant. The bill would require the board to evaluate the program based on specified outcomes and submit a report to the Legislature, no later than 6 months following the conclusion of the pilot project, assessing the pilot projects effectiveness and feasibility for statewide expansion.Existing law establishes the Pre-Release Construction Trades Certificate Program within the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to increase employment opportunities in the construction trades for incarcerated persons upon release. Existing law requires the department to establish a joint advisory committee, composed of representatives from specified organizations and state agencies, for the purpose of implementation of the program and specifies the duties of the committee with respect to the program.This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to postrelease apprenticeship programs.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NOYES Local Program: NO
Amended IN Senate March 26, 2025
Amended IN Senate March 26, 2025
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION
Senate Bill
No. 75
Introduced by Senator Smallwood-CuevasJanuary 15, 2025
Introduced by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas
January 15, 2025
An act to add and repeal Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 14050) of Chapter 3 of Division 7 of the Unemployment Insurance Code, relating to employment.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SB 75, as amended, Smallwood-Cuevas. Employment: Postrelease apprenticeships. Reentry Pilot Project.
Existing law provides for various employment programs to assist formerly incarcerated individuals in finding and retaining employment, including the Pre-Release Construction Trades Certificate Program administered by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Prison to Employment Program administered by the California Workforce Development Board.Existing law establishes the California Workforce Development Board as the body responsible for assisting the Governor in the development, oversight, and continuous improvement of Californias workforce investment system and the alignment of the education and workforce investment systems to the needs of the 21st century economy and workforce.This bill would, subject to an appropriation and until January 1, 2030, require the board to establish a Reentry Pilot Project in the Counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego to provide workforce training and transitional support to formerly incarcerated individuals committed to careers in the skilled trades. The bill would require the board to designate a qualified nonprofit organization in each pilot county for specified duties, including the management and monitoring of funds. The bill would require a qualified nonprofit organization to provide certain stipends to eligible participants, including a transportation stipend to ensure accessibility to training and employment sites. The bill would require apprenticeship training that is affiliated with a union to be defrayed by underwriting 25% of the total cost per participant. The bill would require the board to evaluate the program based on specified outcomes and submit a report to the Legislature, no later than 6 months following the conclusion of the pilot project, assessing the pilot projects effectiveness and feasibility for statewide expansion.Existing law establishes the Pre-Release Construction Trades Certificate Program within the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to increase employment opportunities in the construction trades for incarcerated persons upon release. Existing law requires the department to establish a joint advisory committee, composed of representatives from specified organizations and state agencies, for the purpose of implementation of the program and specifies the duties of the committee with respect to the program.This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to postrelease apprenticeship programs.
Existing law provides for various employment programs to assist formerly incarcerated individuals in finding and retaining employment, including the Pre-Release Construction Trades Certificate Program administered by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Prison to Employment Program administered by the California Workforce Development Board.
Existing law establishes the California Workforce Development Board as the body responsible for assisting the Governor in the development, oversight, and continuous improvement of Californias workforce investment system and the alignment of the education and workforce investment systems to the needs of the 21st century economy and workforce.
This bill would, subject to an appropriation and until January 1, 2030, require the board to establish a Reentry Pilot Project in the Counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego to provide workforce training and transitional support to formerly incarcerated individuals committed to careers in the skilled trades. The bill would require the board to designate a qualified nonprofit organization in each pilot county for specified duties, including the management and monitoring of funds. The bill would require a qualified nonprofit organization to provide certain stipends to eligible participants, including a transportation stipend to ensure accessibility to training and employment sites. The bill would require apprenticeship training that is affiliated with a union to be defrayed by underwriting 25% of the total cost per participant. The bill would require the board to evaluate the program based on specified outcomes and submit a report to the Legislature, no later than 6 months following the conclusion of the pilot project, assessing the pilot projects effectiveness and feasibility for statewide expansion.
Existing law establishes the Pre-Release Construction Trades Certificate Program within the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to increase employment opportunities in the construction trades for incarcerated persons upon release. Existing law requires the department to establish a joint advisory committee, composed of representatives from specified organizations and state agencies, for the purpose of implementation of the program and specifies the duties of the committee with respect to the program.
This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to postrelease apprenticeship programs.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) The successful reentry of formerly incarcerated individuals is critical to reducing recidivism and fostering economic self-sufficiency.(b) The Counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego receive a large percentage of formerly incarcerated individuals released from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and have highly developed public agencies and nonprofits focused on reentry services.(c) A structured, statewide model for reentry workforce training is necessary to optimize resources and create a replicable system for future expansion.(d) The California Workforce Development Board has demonstrated success in administering workforce training programs and is well positioned to oversee a Reentry Pilot Project focused on training formerly incarcerated individuals for careers in the skilled trades.SEC. 2. Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 14050) is added to Chapter 3 of Division 7 of the Unemployment Insurance Code, to read: Article 4.5. Reentry Pilot Project14050. (a) For purposes of this section, board means the California Workforce Development Board.(b) The board shall establish a Reentry Pilot Project in the Counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego to provide workforce training and transitional support to formerly incarcerated individuals committed to careers in the skilled trades.(c) Under the pilot project, the board shall designate a qualified nonprofit organization in each pilot county to manage and monitor funds and be accountable to the board for proper expenditure and reporting.(d) A qualified nonprofit organization shall provide the following stipends to eligible participants:(1) A transportation stipend to ensure accessibility to training and employment sites.(2) An equipment stipend to cover necessary tools and protective gear.(3) A living cost and technology stipend to support housing stability and access to digital resources.(e) Under the pilot project, apprenticeship training that is affiliated with a union shall be defrayed by underwriting 25 percent of the total cost per participant.(f) The board shall evaluate the program based on the following outcomes:(1) Participant employment rates and retention in skilled trade careers.(2) Reduction in recidivism rates among program participants.(3) Long-term fiscal impact, including cost savings from reduced incarceration rates compared to program expenditures.(g) (1) No later than six months following the conclusion of the pilot project, the board shall submit a comprehensive report to the Legislature assessing the pilot projects effectiveness based on outcomes evaluated under subdivision (f) and feasibility for statewide expansion.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(h) (1) This article shall become operative only upon an appropriation of funds by the Legislature for the purposes of this article.(2) This article shall remain in effect until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.SECTION 1.It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to postrelease apprenticeship programs.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) The successful reentry of formerly incarcerated individuals is critical to reducing recidivism and fostering economic self-sufficiency.(b) The Counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego receive a large percentage of formerly incarcerated individuals released from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and have highly developed public agencies and nonprofits focused on reentry services.(c) A structured, statewide model for reentry workforce training is necessary to optimize resources and create a replicable system for future expansion.(d) The California Workforce Development Board has demonstrated success in administering workforce training programs and is well positioned to oversee a Reentry Pilot Project focused on training formerly incarcerated individuals for careers in the skilled trades.
SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) The successful reentry of formerly incarcerated individuals is critical to reducing recidivism and fostering economic self-sufficiency.(b) The Counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego receive a large percentage of formerly incarcerated individuals released from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and have highly developed public agencies and nonprofits focused on reentry services.(c) A structured, statewide model for reentry workforce training is necessary to optimize resources and create a replicable system for future expansion.(d) The California Workforce Development Board has demonstrated success in administering workforce training programs and is well positioned to oversee a Reentry Pilot Project focused on training formerly incarcerated individuals for careers in the skilled trades.
SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
### SECTION 1.
(a) The successful reentry of formerly incarcerated individuals is critical to reducing recidivism and fostering economic self-sufficiency.
(b) The Counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego receive a large percentage of formerly incarcerated individuals released from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and have highly developed public agencies and nonprofits focused on reentry services.
(c) A structured, statewide model for reentry workforce training is necessary to optimize resources and create a replicable system for future expansion.
(d) The California Workforce Development Board has demonstrated success in administering workforce training programs and is well positioned to oversee a Reentry Pilot Project focused on training formerly incarcerated individuals for careers in the skilled trades.
SEC. 2. Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 14050) is added to Chapter 3 of Division 7 of the Unemployment Insurance Code, to read: Article 4.5. Reentry Pilot Project14050. (a) For purposes of this section, board means the California Workforce Development Board.(b) The board shall establish a Reentry Pilot Project in the Counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego to provide workforce training and transitional support to formerly incarcerated individuals committed to careers in the skilled trades.(c) Under the pilot project, the board shall designate a qualified nonprofit organization in each pilot county to manage and monitor funds and be accountable to the board for proper expenditure and reporting.(d) A qualified nonprofit organization shall provide the following stipends to eligible participants:(1) A transportation stipend to ensure accessibility to training and employment sites.(2) An equipment stipend to cover necessary tools and protective gear.(3) A living cost and technology stipend to support housing stability and access to digital resources.(e) Under the pilot project, apprenticeship training that is affiliated with a union shall be defrayed by underwriting 25 percent of the total cost per participant.(f) The board shall evaluate the program based on the following outcomes:(1) Participant employment rates and retention in skilled trade careers.(2) Reduction in recidivism rates among program participants.(3) Long-term fiscal impact, including cost savings from reduced incarceration rates compared to program expenditures.(g) (1) No later than six months following the conclusion of the pilot project, the board shall submit a comprehensive report to the Legislature assessing the pilot projects effectiveness based on outcomes evaluated under subdivision (f) and feasibility for statewide expansion.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(h) (1) This article shall become operative only upon an appropriation of funds by the Legislature for the purposes of this article.(2) This article shall remain in effect until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.
SEC. 2. Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 14050) is added to Chapter 3 of Division 7 of the Unemployment Insurance Code, to read:
### SEC. 2.
Article 4.5. Reentry Pilot Project14050. (a) For purposes of this section, board means the California Workforce Development Board.(b) The board shall establish a Reentry Pilot Project in the Counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego to provide workforce training and transitional support to formerly incarcerated individuals committed to careers in the skilled trades.(c) Under the pilot project, the board shall designate a qualified nonprofit organization in each pilot county to manage and monitor funds and be accountable to the board for proper expenditure and reporting.(d) A qualified nonprofit organization shall provide the following stipends to eligible participants:(1) A transportation stipend to ensure accessibility to training and employment sites.(2) An equipment stipend to cover necessary tools and protective gear.(3) A living cost and technology stipend to support housing stability and access to digital resources.(e) Under the pilot project, apprenticeship training that is affiliated with a union shall be defrayed by underwriting 25 percent of the total cost per participant.(f) The board shall evaluate the program based on the following outcomes:(1) Participant employment rates and retention in skilled trade careers.(2) Reduction in recidivism rates among program participants.(3) Long-term fiscal impact, including cost savings from reduced incarceration rates compared to program expenditures.(g) (1) No later than six months following the conclusion of the pilot project, the board shall submit a comprehensive report to the Legislature assessing the pilot projects effectiveness based on outcomes evaluated under subdivision (f) and feasibility for statewide expansion.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(h) (1) This article shall become operative only upon an appropriation of funds by the Legislature for the purposes of this article.(2) This article shall remain in effect until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.
Article 4.5. Reentry Pilot Project14050. (a) For purposes of this section, board means the California Workforce Development Board.(b) The board shall establish a Reentry Pilot Project in the Counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego to provide workforce training and transitional support to formerly incarcerated individuals committed to careers in the skilled trades.(c) Under the pilot project, the board shall designate a qualified nonprofit organization in each pilot county to manage and monitor funds and be accountable to the board for proper expenditure and reporting.(d) A qualified nonprofit organization shall provide the following stipends to eligible participants:(1) A transportation stipend to ensure accessibility to training and employment sites.(2) An equipment stipend to cover necessary tools and protective gear.(3) A living cost and technology stipend to support housing stability and access to digital resources.(e) Under the pilot project, apprenticeship training that is affiliated with a union shall be defrayed by underwriting 25 percent of the total cost per participant.(f) The board shall evaluate the program based on the following outcomes:(1) Participant employment rates and retention in skilled trade careers.(2) Reduction in recidivism rates among program participants.(3) Long-term fiscal impact, including cost savings from reduced incarceration rates compared to program expenditures.(g) (1) No later than six months following the conclusion of the pilot project, the board shall submit a comprehensive report to the Legislature assessing the pilot projects effectiveness based on outcomes evaluated under subdivision (f) and feasibility for statewide expansion.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(h) (1) This article shall become operative only upon an appropriation of funds by the Legislature for the purposes of this article.(2) This article shall remain in effect until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.
Article 4.5. Reentry Pilot Project
Article 4.5. Reentry Pilot Project
14050. (a) For purposes of this section, board means the California Workforce Development Board.(b) The board shall establish a Reentry Pilot Project in the Counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego to provide workforce training and transitional support to formerly incarcerated individuals committed to careers in the skilled trades.(c) Under the pilot project, the board shall designate a qualified nonprofit organization in each pilot county to manage and monitor funds and be accountable to the board for proper expenditure and reporting.(d) A qualified nonprofit organization shall provide the following stipends to eligible participants:(1) A transportation stipend to ensure accessibility to training and employment sites.(2) An equipment stipend to cover necessary tools and protective gear.(3) A living cost and technology stipend to support housing stability and access to digital resources.(e) Under the pilot project, apprenticeship training that is affiliated with a union shall be defrayed by underwriting 25 percent of the total cost per participant.(f) The board shall evaluate the program based on the following outcomes:(1) Participant employment rates and retention in skilled trade careers.(2) Reduction in recidivism rates among program participants.(3) Long-term fiscal impact, including cost savings from reduced incarceration rates compared to program expenditures.(g) (1) No later than six months following the conclusion of the pilot project, the board shall submit a comprehensive report to the Legislature assessing the pilot projects effectiveness based on outcomes evaluated under subdivision (f) and feasibility for statewide expansion.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(h) (1) This article shall become operative only upon an appropriation of funds by the Legislature for the purposes of this article.(2) This article shall remain in effect until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.
14050. (a) For purposes of this section, board means the California Workforce Development Board.
(b) The board shall establish a Reentry Pilot Project in the Counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego to provide workforce training and transitional support to formerly incarcerated individuals committed to careers in the skilled trades.
(c) Under the pilot project, the board shall designate a qualified nonprofit organization in each pilot county to manage and monitor funds and be accountable to the board for proper expenditure and reporting.
(d) A qualified nonprofit organization shall provide the following stipends to eligible participants:
(1) A transportation stipend to ensure accessibility to training and employment sites.
(2) An equipment stipend to cover necessary tools and protective gear.
(3) A living cost and technology stipend to support housing stability and access to digital resources.
(e) Under the pilot project, apprenticeship training that is affiliated with a union shall be defrayed by underwriting 25 percent of the total cost per participant.
(f) The board shall evaluate the program based on the following outcomes:
(1) Participant employment rates and retention in skilled trade careers.
(2) Reduction in recidivism rates among program participants.
(3) Long-term fiscal impact, including cost savings from reduced incarceration rates compared to program expenditures.
(g) (1) No later than six months following the conclusion of the pilot project, the board shall submit a comprehensive report to the Legislature assessing the pilot projects effectiveness based on outcomes evaluated under subdivision (f) and feasibility for statewide expansion.
(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(h) (1) This article shall become operative only upon an appropriation of funds by the Legislature for the purposes of this article.
(2) This article shall remain in effect until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.
It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to postrelease apprenticeship programs.