The bill amends Section 42-56-20.3 of the General Laws to establish a community correctional program specifically for women offenders within the Department of Corrections. This program will allow women sentenced to two years or less in the women's division of adult correctional institutions, or those awaiting trial, to participate in a community confinement program. The program director will create individualized rehabilitation plans for each participant, which must be approved by the Department of Corrections and the sentencing judge. Supervision of participants will be managed by the director or their designee, who will have the authority to enforce compliance with the program's terms.

Additionally, the bill repeals provisions that assess costs for women in the community corrections program related to prostitution-related offenses, thereby eliminating financial penalties that were previously imposed on defendants. The act will take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5357: 42-56-20.3