Louisiana House Bill HB1319

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/19/10
• Refer: 4/20/10

Caption

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.