Parole is a conditional release option for incarcerated individuals, which allows them to serve the remainder of their sentence in their community. However, following release, many individuals continue to face significant challenges, specifically in their attempts to secure employment. That said, research shows that a crucial step in facilitating a successful reentry is for individuals to pursue further education or vocational training, as it significantly reduces the likelihood of recidivism.

For this reason, I am reintroducing legislation that would reduce the period of parole supervision by 90 days for individuals who earn a high school diploma, college degree, career certificate, vocational-technical certification, or upon passage of high school equivalent testing during their parole period. It is important to note that individuals convicted of a violent crime would not be eligible for this reduction.

Please consider co-sponsoring this vital legislation to promote education and vocational training, fostering successful reintegration into communities across the Commonwealth.