Georgia 2025 2025-2026 Regular Session

Georgia Senate Bill SB147 Introduced / Bill

Filed 02/12/2025

                    25 LC 48 1463
Senate Bill 147
By: Senators Rhett of the 33rd, Albers of the 56th, Robertson of the 29th, Gooch of the 51st,
Orrock of the 36th and others 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Article 3 of Chapter 5 of Title 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated,
1
relating to conditions of detention generally relative to correctional institutions of state and2
counties, so as to provide consent for the release of certain criminal history, vocational, and3
educational information for inmates upon release; to provide for issuance of an identification4
card and a Program and Treatment Completion Certificate; to provide for related matters; to5
repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.6
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:7
SECTION 1.8
Article 3 of Chapter 5 of Title 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to9
conditions of detention generally relative to correctional institutions of state and counties,10
is amended in Code Section 42-5-64, relating to educational programming and information11
provided to released prisoners, by revising subsections (e) through (g) and adding a new12
subsection to read as follows:13
"(e)  When a person is released from confinement from the department, the department14
shall issue to such releasee, with his or her consent, documents pertaining to:
 may provide15
such person with the relevant documentation to assist him or her in obtaining post-release16
S. B. 147
- 1 - 25 LC 48 1463
employment and shall coordinate with the Department of Driver Services to provide a state17
issued identification card pursuant to Code Section 40-5-107 if such person does not have18
a current state issued identification card or driver's license. The department may also19
include a Program and Treatment Completion Certificate, if such person is eligible.20
(1)  The releasee's program history, including:21
(A)  Whether the releasee completed training requested by the State Board of Pardons22
and Paroles;23
(B)  Whether the releasee completed programs recommended by the department;24
(C)  Whether the releasee obtained a state approved high school equivalency (HSE)25
diploma or other educational degree while incarcerated; and26
(D)  The releasee's institutional work record, including skills obtained through any job27
training; and28
(2)  Other information considered relevant by the department.29
(f)  When a person is released from confinement from the department, the department may,30
in conjunction with the Department of Driver Services, issue such releasee a personal31
identification card pursuant to Code Section 40-5-107.  The department may also issue a32
Program and Treatment Completion Certificate, if such releasee is eligible. For purposes33
of assisting an inmate in obtaining post-release employment, the department may provide34
the inmate with the following documentation upon such person's release:35
(1)  A copy of the vocational training record of the inmate, if applicable;36
(2)  A copy of the work record of the inmate, if applicable;37
(3)  A certified copy of the birth certificate of the inmate, if obtainable;38
(4) A social security card or a replacement social security card for the inmate, if39
obtainable;40
(5)  A resume that includes any trade learned by the inmate and such inmate's proficiency41
at such trade;42
(6)  Documentation that the inmate has completed a practice job interview; and43
S. B. 147
- 2 - 25 LC 48 1463
(7)  A notification to the inmate if he or she is eligible to apply for a license from a state44
entity charged with oversight of an occupational license or certification.45
(g)  The following categories of inmates are not required to complete resumes or practice46
job interviews prior to their release from incarceration:47
(1)  Inmates 65 years of age or older;48
(2)  Inmates releasing to medical reprieve or discharging from a prison infirmary setting;49
(3)  Inmates releasing to the custody of another jurisdiction on a warrant or detainer; and50
(4)  Inmates that the department determines would be physically or mentally unable to51
return to the workforce upon release from incarceration.52
(g)(h) The commissioner and other relevant state agencies shall be authorized to53
promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this Code54
section."55
SECTION 2.56
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.57
S. B. 147
- 3 -