The bill amends Section 42-56-20.3 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-56, establishing a community correctional program specifically for women offenders within the Department of Corrections. This program allows for the contracting of private agencies to assist in its implementation and limits the civil liability of these agencies and their employees to the same extent as state agencies. Eligible participants include women sentenced to two years or less in the women's division of adult correctional institutions or those awaiting trial. Each participant will have an individualized rehabilitation plan developed, which must be approved by the Department of Corrections and the sentencing judge before release into the program.

Additionally, the bill repeals provisions that assess costs for women in the community corrections program related to prostitution-related offenses, eliminating financial penalties for women offenders. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5357: 42-56-20.3