Connecticut House Bill HB06426

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/13
• Refer: 2/19/13

Caption

An Act Exempting Institutions Of Higher Education That Offer Free Courses To Inmates From State Contracting Requirements.

Impact

The implementation of HB06426 is expected to facilitate the availability of educational programming within correctional facilities by lessening the administrative burden on institutions. It encourages more colleges and universities to participate in providing courses to inmates, which may improve educational outcomes and prospects for successful reintegration into society post-incarceration. Furthermore, by exempting these institutions from state contracting requirements, the bill seeks to simplify logistical processes and open avenues for collaboration that may have previously been stifled by regulatory constraints.

Summary

House Bill 06426, also known as the Act Exempting Institutions of Higher Education That Offer Free Courses to Inmates from State Contracting Requirements, is designed to encourage educational institutions to provide for-credit courses to inmates at no cost. This bill specifies that such institutions will not be classified as state contractors when they engage in agreements with the Department of Correction for this purpose. The underlying intent is to promote prisoners' rehabilitation through education while reducing bureaucratic requirements for educational institutions involved in such collaborative efforts.

Contention

Discussion around HB06426 may center on the effectiveness and appropriateness of governmental contracts in educational partnerships with correctional facilities. Supporters argue that the bill fosters an important avenue for rehabilitation, potentially lowering recidivism rates by equipping inmates with valuable skills. However, some critics might raise concerns regarding the allocation of state funds and resources, questioning whether the state should be supporting educational endeavors for inmates over other pressing areas of higher education funding and support in the general populace.