HF 767

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to public safety; appropriating money for an offender reentry pilot
project; requiring a report.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin OFFENDER REENTRY PILOT PROJECT; APPROPRIATION;
REPORT.
new text end

new text begin (a) $200,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, and $200,000 for the fiscal
year ending June 30, 2009, are appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of
corrections for an offender reentry pilot project. Each year the commissioner shall award a
grant to a community-based nonprofit organization to provide the services described in
paragraph (b). The grant recipient may use this money to:
new text end

new text begin (1) hire a reentry specialist with organization, evaluation, grant writing, and capacity
development skills;
new text end

new text begin (2) administer the pilot project; and
new text end

new text begin (3) provide reimbursement for travel and pay other expenses associated with the
project.
new text end

new text begin (b) The organization selected to receive the grants under this section shall assist
offenders incarcerated in state correctional facilities with reentry into society. The
organization shall meet with offenders before their release from prison to develop a
holistic plan for successful reintegration, including, but not limited to: ensuring that
the offender has proper identification, has a Social Security number, has the requisite
skills to complete a job application and resume, and takes advantage of appropriate
available community-based educational and programming options. If there is sufficient
time remaining in the offender's term of imprisonment, the organization shall identify
prison-based educational and other types of programming available to the offender and
encourage the offender to enter these programs. Upon the offender's release from prison,
the organization shall continue to work with the offender and assist the offender with
reentry issues. The organization shall convene a reentry panel consisting of individuals
representing the employment, social services, housing, law enforcement, chemical
dependency, and corrections sectors, along with individuals from the organization,
the community, and those suggested by the offender. This panel shall provide reentry
assistance to the offender, including an immediate and long-term support system that
offers access to and relationships with individuals in a position to help meet the offender's
reentry needs.
new text end

new text begin (c) By January 15, 2010, the commissioner of corrections shall report to the chairs
and ranking minority members of the senate and house of representatives committees and
divisions having jurisdiction over criminal justice funding on the pilot project.
new text end