PA HB1042

Inmates sentenced after the effective date can earn sentence reduction credits: up to 90 days for completing vocational education programs, 90 days for required department programming, 120 days for a GED or high school diploma, up to 90 days per higher education course, and 180 days for a college degree

Total earned credits cannot exceed one-fourth of the inmate's minimum sentence, and credits cannot be applied until required programming is completed or if less than four months remain before parole eligibility

Inmates convicted of murder, human trafficking, involuntary servitude, rape, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, or crimes with mandatory sentences for repeat/violent offenders are excluded from earning these credits

Licensing boards must consider earned vocational training and education credits when conducting individualized assessments of applicants with criminal convictions, and the three-year waiting period for professional licenses after incarceration for violent crimes is reduced by any credits earned

The act takes effect one year after enactment and amends Titles 61 (Prisons and Parole) and 63 (Professions and Occupations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes