DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 236 Original 2018 Regular Session Ivey
Abstract: Creates the Inmate Rehabilitation and Computer Technology Development Act.
Proposed law creates the Inmate Rehabilitation and Computer Technology Development Act to be
administered by the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections.
Proposed law creates the inmate rehabilitation and workforce development advisory council to
function as an advisory body for DPS&C in administering the program.
Proposed law defines "computer technologist" as a person certified by the department in computer
technology in any of the following: digital arts, computer gaming, information technology
infrastructure, cyber security, computer numeric control (CNC), computer programming, computer
network development, computer software development, development of computer systems or any
other technology using computers.
Proposed law provides that the council shall be composed of 13 members, selected from various
computer technology industry representatives, the legislature, and lists submitted to the governor by
certain associations.
Proposed law provides that members, other than the secretaries, or their designees, or employees of
the state, may receive a $75 per diem for each day spent in actual attendance of meetings of the
council. Members may also receive a mileage allowance for mileage traveled in attending meetings.
Proposed law provides that DPS&C may enter into cooperative endeavors or contracts with the La.
Dept. of Labor, the La. Dept. of Education, and the La. community and technical colleges,
educational institutions, training facilities, computer technology representatives, and employers to
provide the intensive training programs necessary for proper certification or licensing of skilled
craftsmen and to provide substance abuse treatment and counseling or halfway housing to inmates
who participate in the program.
Proposed law provides for the administration of this program by the secretary and the assistance of
the council.
Proposed law provides that DPS&C shall adopt all rules necessary to implement the provisions of
proposed law and that those rules shall be adopted in accordance with the APA.
Proposed law provides that if the secretary has previously adopted rules or regulations which can be used to satisfy the requirements of proposed law, the secretary shall not be required to adopt new or
duplicative rules or regulations.
Proposed law provides criteria for an inmate's eligibility for participation in the program.
Proposed law provides that a person convicted of a crime of violence shall not be eligible to
participate in the program.
Proposed law provides separate criteria for an inmate to be considered for participation in the
program.
Proposed law further provides that the participating inmate shall be evaluated by the program staff
on a continual basis.
Proposed law provides that eligible inmates who have been admitted to the program shall participate
in intensive computer technology training. Upon completion of the program, the inmate shall qualify
for any necessary examination to become a computer technologist. The inmate shall take any
necessary examination for certification as a computer technologist and shall begin a workforce
development work release program. Upon completion of the program, the inmate shall be placed
upon supervised parole for the remainder of his sentence.
Proposed law provides criteria for the removal of the inmate from the program.
Proposed law provides that prior to acceptance into the program, an inmate shall submit to a drug
test for the presence of controlled dangerous substances and, once accepted into the program, he
agrees to random drug testing to verify that he remains drug free.
Proposed law authorizes DPS&C to administer a work release program for graduates of the Inmate
Rehabilitation and Computer Technology Program.
Proposed law provides for the distribution of the wages earned by the inmate. Proposed law
provides that the wages of an inmate so employed shall be not less than the customary wages for an
employee performing similar services. Deductions for room, board, and other administrative costs
resulting from participation in a workforce development work release program shall not exceed 75%
of the wages received by an inmate.
Proposed law provides that a report be made quarterly the first year, bi-annually the second year and
annually by June 30
th
of each year thereafter to the legislature, reporting on the program.
(Adds R.S. 15:1199.21-1199.36)