SF 1997

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 02/22/2023 08:46am

A bill for an act
relating to public safety; appropriating money for community-based programs for
prerelease and postrelease incarcerated persons; appropriating money for youth
programs.

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

Section 1. new text begin PRERELEASE AND POSTRELEASE INCARCERATED PERSONS
PROGRAMS; APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of corrections for a grant to The Power of People Leadership Institute to provide programs
for prerelease and postrelease of incarcerated persons from the African American community
by reducing criminal thinking and behavior, increasing reintegration and stability in the
community, and reducing recidivism. Of this amount:
new text end

new text begin (1) $1,500,000 is to expand:
new text end

new text begin (i) prerelease in-person and virtual programs in state correctional facilities and county
jails; and
new text end

new text begin (ii) postrelease services, including but not limited to community-based course offerings,
mentoring, leadership development, system navigation, weekly group meetings, virtual
training program, and housing; and
new text end

new text begin (2) $1,500,000 is to expand the institute facilities to include space designated for an
employment center to provide employment services, training, and wellness resources that
result in an increase in employment readiness for community members addressing social,
demographic, racial, and economic barriers. The program will prepare prerelease and
postrelease incarcerated persons for gainful employment in livable-wage jobs with the
potential to have lifelong careers.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin YOUTH MENTORING AND SUMMER PROGRAMS; APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $1,500,000 in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of corrections for a grant to The Power of People Leadership Institute to expand youth
programs to disrupt the school to prison pipeline, particularly for boys of color, by mentoring
boys to use their personal power to problem solve, attain self-regulation while maintaining
positive relationships, graduate from high school, and enroll in college. This appropriation
will expand the youth program to increase the number of boys attending the program and
engage boys and girls in a comprehensive summer program with the result of decreasing
crime and violence caused by disengaged youth in the community.
new text end