AB 1239 Summary

• Establishes legislative findings that 95% of CDCR inmates will be released, but only 14% receive education or vocational training while incarcerated; lack of programs correlates with higher in-prison violence rates.

• Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to prioritize preservation of education and vocational programs proven effective at reducing recidivism when implementing funding adjustments.

• Directs the department to place inmates and parolees into programs suited to their needs and abilities, considering time remaining to serve and likelihood of program completion.

• Mandates annual reporting to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee on inmate participation and completion rates in academic and vocational education programs, with details on literacy achievement and job skill development.

• Reporting requirement expires September 1, 2015.