BILL NUMBER: S2920A
SPONSOR: CLEARE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the correction law, in relation to expanding prison work
release program eligibility and participation
 
PURPOSE:
To expand the scope of eligibility in prison work release programs in an
effort to increase participation and better prepare incarcerated indi-
viduals for successful reentry.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Amends the Correction Law to expand eligibility in prison work release
programs in an effort to increase participation and better prepare
incarcerated individuals for successful reentry.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This legislation will ensure that eligible incarcerated individuals will
be able to participate in prison work release programs. Changes in
sentencing laws throughout the years have resulting in more and more
people serving determinate rather than indeterminate sentences.
A revitalized Temporary Release program is fully consistent with the
underlying goals of the recent merger of the New York Department of
Correctional Services and the Division of Parole to form the Department
of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), which include enhanced
public safety through the promotion of individuals' successful reentry
and reintegration into the community The Temporary Release program has
limitless potential to further this purpose. Temporary Release provides
for a structured transition from incarceration to life in the community,
helping participants to develop the work, educational, and basic life
management skills they need to transition back into their communities.
The evidence has shown that programs like Temporary Release are effec-
tive at reducing recidivism, which enhances public safety. Participation
in the Temporary Release program provides a sound and accurate picture
of a person's readiness for release to the community as a law-abiding
citizen. Not only does it aid the board in making decisions about read-
iness for release, it can also be an invaluable resource to help DOCCS
staff identify the support a person needs while being supervised in the
community. For example, it can help identify the need for better job
skill development, the need for more education to further career
advancement, or the need for ongoing after-care to address a substance
abuse problem. Temporary Release is an exceptionally cost-effective
program; indeed, a robust Temporary Release program is a sure way to
reduce the staggering cost of the prison system.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2019-20: S806/A4288 - Died in Crime Victims, Crime, and Correction
2017-18: S4445 - Died in Crime Victims, Crime, and Correction
2015-16: S1014 - Died in Crime Victims, Crime, and Correction
2013-14: 2011-12: S1415- Died in Crime Victims, Crime, and Correction
2011-12: S5920 - Died in Crime Victims, Crime, and Correction
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.

Statutes affected:
S2920: 851 correction law, 851(2) correction law, 851(2-a) correction law, 851(2-b) correction law
S2920A: 851 correction law, 851(2) correction law, 851(2-a) correction law, 851(2-b) correction law