This bill amends R.S.30:4-92 to expand the definition of "productive occupations" for inmates in correctional institutions to include college and associate degree educational programs, in addition to existing workforce skills and vocational training programs. The bill aims to award credits that would reduce the parole eligibility date for inmates who participate in these college and associate degree programs. This change is intended to encourage educational participation among inmates, thereby potentially improving their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Under the current law, inmates can receive credits for productive occupations that reduce their parole eligibility date, provided they have not been sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment. The bill clarifies that these credits will also apply to inmates engaged in college and associate degree educational programming, while maintaining that such credits do not affect deductions for good behavior or other credits provided by law. The act is set to take effect on the first day of the fourth month following its enactment.