HB0698 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB100 07831 RLC 17899 b

100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2017 and 2018
HB0698

Introduced , by Rep. Robert Martwick

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

See Index

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Creates the Prisoner Entrepreneur Education Program Law. Provides that the Prisoner Entrepreneur Education Program shall be established as a 5-year pilot project to be instituted within the Department of Corrections. Provides that the goal of the Prisoner Entrepreneur Education Program is to provide inmates with useful business skills for use after release from prison in an effort to reduce recidivism rates for self-motivated individuals. Provides that the Prisoner Entrepreneur Education Program shall consist of a rigorous curriculum, and participants shall be taught business skills, such as computer skills, budgeting, creating a business plan, public speaking, and realistic goal setting. Provides that inmates who successfully complete the Prisoner Entrepreneur Education Program shall be awarded a Certificate of Completion. Establishes eligibility requirements for the Program. Provides that subject to appropriation by the General Assembly, the Prisoner Entrepreneur Education Program may establish post-release assistance to individuals awarded a Certificate of Completion. Provides that post-release assistance may include drafting a resume and cover letter, searching for employment, networking events, or mock interviews. Provides that the funding for the Prisoner Entrepreneur Education Program shall be from moneys appropriated to the Department of Corrections for this purpose. Provides that the Article is repealed 5 years after its effective date. Effective immediately.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning criminal law.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Unified Code of Corrections is amended by adding Article 12.5 to Chapter III as follows:

(730 ILCS 5/Ch. III Art. 12.5 heading new)

ARTICLE 12.5. PRISONER ENTREPRENEUR EDUCATION PROGRAM

(730 ILCS 5/3-12.5-1 new)

Sec. 3-12.5-1. Short title. This Article may be cited as the Prisoner Entrepreneur Education Program Law.

(730 ILCS 5/3-12.5-5 new)

Sec. 3-12.5-5. Purpose; Program. The Prisoner Entrepreneur Education Program shall be established as a 5-year pilot project to be instituted within the Department of Corrections. The goal of the Prisoner Entrepreneur Education Program is to provide inmates with useful business skills for use after release from prison in an effort to reduce recidivism rates for self-motivated individuals. The Prisoner Entrepreneur Education Program shall consist of a rigorous curriculum, and participants shall be taught business skills, such as computer skills, budgeting, creating a business plan, public speaking, and realistic goal setting. Inmates who successfully complete the Prisoner Entrepreneur Education Program shall be awarded a Certificate of Completion.

(730 ILCS 5/3-12.5-10 new)

Sec. 3-12.5-10. Selection. Inmates may be selected to participate in the Prisoner Entrepreneur Education Program only if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) the inmate is within 3 years of being released from custody of the Department of Corrections;

(2) the inmate has not been disciplined by the Department of Corrections within the past year;

(3) the inmate has a high school diploma or GED;

(4) the inmate has never been convicted of an offense described in Article 11 of the Criminal Code of 2012 or a similar offense under the Criminal Code of 1961;

(5) the inmate is not currently affiliated with a gang; and

(6) the inmate is committed to personal change.

(730 ILCS 5/3-12.5-15 new)

Sec. 3-12.5-15. Post-release assistance. Subject to appropriation by the General Assembly, the Prisoner Entrepreneur Education Program may establish post-release assistance to individuals awarded a Certificate of Completion. Post-release assistance may include drafting a resume and cover letter, searching for employment, networking events, or mock interviews.

(730 ILCS 5/3-12.5-20 new)

Sec. 3-12.5-20. Power of Department. The Department of Corrections shall adopt rules as the Director deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article.

(730 ILCS 5/3-12.5-25 new)

Sec. 3-12.5-25. Funding. The funding for the Prisoner Entrepreneur Education Program shall be from moneys appropriated to the Department of Corrections for this purpose.

(730 ILCS 5/3-12.5-30 new)

Sec. 3-12.5-30. Repeal. This Article is repealed 5 years after its effective date.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.