NC S221

Designates the Department of Correction's Office of Research and Planning (ORP) as the single state agency responsible for coordinating and implementing ex-offender reentry policy initiatives, including the StreetSafe Task Force and Justice Reinvestment Initiative.

Requires ORP to establish a minimum of 10 local reentry councils to coordinate innovative reintegration responses at the community level and leverage existing programs such as the Criminal Justice Partnership Program.

Mandates ORP to form an advisory group representing the population it serves, including formerly incarcerated individuals, people with criminal records, at-risk youth, and relevant service agencies.

Directs the Department of Correction to continue assisting offenders in successfully reentering society by monitoring and maximizing access to partnerships with the Division of Motor Vehicles for identification and licenses and community colleges for education and job training.

Authorizes the Department of Correction to expand work release slots for minimum custody inmates approaching release to facilitate successful reentry.