Bill Summaries: S584 PILOT PROJECT: TABLETS FOR INMATES.

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  • Summary date: Apr 4 2017 - View Summary

    Directs the Division of Adult Correction (Division) of the Department of Public Safety to establish and implement a pilot project to allow adult offenders and juveniles who (1) are on good behavior and (2) are within two years from their projected release date to have access to computer tablets. Provides that those eligible are to have access to computer tablets for the purposes of taking continuing education classes, vocational classes, parenting classes, domestic violence or anger management classes, and other programs approved by the Division. Establishes that the Division is to determine what databases are accessible from the tablets. Sets forth that the purpose of the project is to prevent recidivism by allowing adult offenders and juveniles to build educational credentials, participate in prerelease planning and preparations activities, build social support in the outside community, and expose adult offenders and juveniles to updated technology prior to release.

    Directs the Division to select one or more State correctional institutions, youth development centers, and residential treatment facilities to implement the pilot project. Further directs the Division to use available funds to conduct the pilot project during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 fiscal years.

    Directs the Division to report on the results of the pilot project to the 2019 Regular Session of the General Assembly upon its convening.