Provides relative to compensation to institutions in the La. Community & Technical College System for providing certain educational services to inmates and personnel at state correctional facilities (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Impact
The passage of HB 1319 is expected to influence state laws concerning inmate education and reentry programs by establishing a more structured framework for how educational services are delivered within correctional facilities. The bill reinforces existing laws by adding requirements for compensation to be specified in contracts, which could lead to increased accountability and quality in the educational services provided. This legislative change is significant as it aligns the educational needs of inmates with broader goals of public safety and rehabilitation, potentially reducing recidivism through skill development.
Summary
House Bill 1319 aims to enhance educational opportunities for inmates and personnel in state correctional facilities by allowing institutions within the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) to enter into cooperative endeavor agreements with the Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C). The bill mandates that such agreements include provisions for compensation to the LCTCS institutions for the educational services they provide, thereby formalizing the relationship between educational providers and correctional institutions. This initiative is intended to improve the reentry prospects for offenders by equipping them with entrepreneurial skills that can aid their reintegration into society.
Sentiment
General sentiment around the bill is largely supportive, particularly among groups focused on criminal justice reform and inmate rehabilitation. Proponents view it as a progressive step towards enhancing educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals, thus contributing positively to public safety by preparing inmates for successful reintegration. However, there may also be some concerns about the adequacy of funding and resources needed to effectively implement the educational programs outlined in the bill, which could lead to skepticism among critics regarding the bill's practical application.
Contention
One of the notable points of contention surrounding HB 1319 relates to the adequacy of funding and whether the compensation agreements between LCTCS institutions and DPS&C will be sufficient to support a robust educational initiative. Discussions may arise regarding the effectiveness of such programs in genuinely aiding the rehabilitation process, and there are likely to be debates on the allocation of state resources in relation to correctional education. The practical execution of the bill will be closely monitored to ensure that it meets its intended goals without placing an undue burden on state budgets.
Renames the Northwest La. Technical College as the Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College and provides for an expansion of its mission and educational program (EN INCREASE SG EX See Note)
Provides for a Board of Regents program under which postsecondary institutions agree to achieve certain standards in exchange for authority to increase tuition and for exemption from certain limitations (EN INCREASE SG RV See Note)
Authorizes the Board of Supervisors of the Community and Technical College System to enter into contracts with private nonprofit corporations for certain services
In miscellaneous provisions relating to inmate confinement, providing for communications services for inmates in State or county correctional institutions.
Provides that the annual amount of a Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) award at Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College shall match the annual award amount at other technical community colleges (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Authorizes the La. Community and Technical Colleges System Board of Supervisors to increase tuition and mandatory fee amounts at institutions under its supervision and management and permits the uniform imposition of tuition and mandatory fee amounts on a per credit hour basis (RE +$5,300,000 SG RV See Note)