Participant Facilitated Recidivism Reduction Program

The bill requires the department of corrections (department) to operate a pilot program, known as the "re-imagine program" (program), at the Sterling correctional facility to provide program participants with resources to support their rehabilitation and to reduce recidivism. The program is facilitated by a program board comprised of program participants and department staff. The program board shall review applications for participation in the program and approve applicants in accordance with program rules.

The program must provide training in trades and other employment-focused activities, education in skills beneficial for a participant following release from confinement, and mental health sessions. The program board shall create a program plan for each participant based on the participant's individual case and risk factors.

The bill requires the general assembly to appropriate money to fund the program through state fiscal year 2027-28. The department is required to annually report to the general assembly about the program. The pilot program is repealed June 30, 2028. The bill requires the department, in its annual reports in 2027 and 2028, to recommend whether to continue the program and whether to expand the program to other correctional facilities.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)