IL HB3702

Establishes the Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training Program administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in coordination with the Department of Corrections to train incarcerated individuals for employment in clean energy and related sector jobs.

Eligible participants must be 17 years or older, in Department of Corrections custody, and scheduled for release within 36 months; participants must pass a minimum basic skills test (6.0+ on TABE), complete a one-week orientation, and pass a drug test to graduate.

Program includes essential employability skills training and vocational/occupational training leading to industry-recognized certifications or credentials, with job placement assistance and connection to clean energy employers.

Requires program administrators to collect and disaggregate performance data by race, ethnicity, gender, age, and location, tracking metrics including enrollment, completion, employment rates at 6 and 12 months post-release, and recidivism rates at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 years after release.

Funding comes from the Energy Transition Assistance Fund, with all program instructors and staff required to pass background checks administered by the Department of Corrections before facility access.