The bill establishes the Second Chance Program within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, aimed at providing employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. It recognizes the challenges faced by these individuals in securing viable employment, which is essential for reducing recidivism and facilitating their reintegration into society. The program will work in consultation with labor organizations, leveraging their understanding of local economic conditions to identify and attract job opportunities for this demographic.
The Second Chance Program will be directed by the State Employment and Training Commission, which will oversee its implementation as part of its existing responsibilities. The bill emphasizes the importance of collaboration with labor organizations, defined according to federal law, to ensure that the program effectively addresses the employment needs of individuals returning to the workforce after imprisonment. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.