The bill amends Chapter 16-59 of the General Laws by establishing a Corrections Education and Vocational Planning Group (CEVPG) to consider opportunities for career and educational programming within the Rhode Island state prison system. The CEVPG will focus on creating higher education pathways that have demonstrable benefits, including facility safety, public safety, lower recidivism, self-efficacy, intergenerational improvement, and employability for incarcerated individuals.

The group will consist of various members, including the commissioner of the Department of Corrections (or designee), the postsecondary commissioner (or designee), the director of rehabilitative services, the director of the Department of Business Regulation (or designee), the president of the New England Board of Higher Education (or designee), a formerly incarcerated person appointed by the director of rehabilitative services, and the chairperson of the Council on Postsecondary Education (or designee).

The CEVPG will consult with the New England Board of Higher Education, other New England departments of corrections, service providers, and advocates as necessary. It will assess labor market needs and in-demand skills, inventory facility needs, evaluate opportunities for work-based learning and apprenticeships, and identify barriers to continuity of academic programs and support for individuals post-incarceration. The group will also explore sustainable partnerships with Rhode Island institutions of higher education, develop strategies for credit transfer, and consider funding sources for educational programs.

The CEVPG is required to file annual reports on its progress and recommendations beginning December 1, 2025, with all organizations listed in the membership section, as well as with the governor, the president of the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives. This act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.