HB 1543 Summary

• Requires the Department of Public Safety, in collaboration with the Department of Human Services, to develop and establish a social work training program for incarcerated nonviolent misdemeanants and petty misdemeanants.

• Allows the Department to coordinate with accredited institutions of higher education, private entities, and nonprofit organizations to provide training in social work to participating individuals.

• Requires the departments to submit progress reports to the legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of regular sessions in 2023 and 2024.

• Appropriates general revenue funds for fiscal year 2022-2023 for development and establishment of the program, with the specific amount to be determined.

• Directs the Department of Public Safety to adopt administrative rules to implement the program.