HB 344 Summary

• Modifies § 6531 to clarify that inmates court-ordered to participate in drug or alcohol counseling/treatment programs must complete them before being eligible for parole or sentence modification, with refusal subject to disciplinary measures.

• Amends § 6531A to transfer supervision of prison education teachers from Department of Correction to Department of Education, with existing teachers having annual transfer rights to the Department of Education effective July 1.

• Allows inmates with learning disabilities to earn a high school diploma of modified performance standards by completing their Individualized Education Plan instead of requiring a traditional GED or diploma for parole eligibility.

• Establishes that inmates required to participate in compulsory education programs cannot be considered for parole or sentence modification until successfully obtaining a diploma, G.E.D., or modified performance standards diploma.

• Requires Department of Education employees assigned to Level 4 or Level 5 correctional facilities to submit to the same random drug testing procedures as Department of Correction employees.