FL H0953

Department of Corrections may increase transition and employment specialists based on inmate population and released inmates under community supervision, subject to appropriations.

Transition assistance staff must provide inmates with job assignment credentialing and industry certification information before release.

Department shall establish a toll-free hotline for released inmates seeking post-release community reentry services and provide comprehensive county-organized resource directories before release.

Department may contract with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and private organizations to provide reentry services including counseling, housing, job placement, substance abuse programs, and transitional employment opportunities for released inmates.

Correctional Education Program may establish a prison entrepreneurship program requiring at least 180 days of in-prison education including business plan development and at least 90 days of optional post-release continuing education, funded within existing resources.