The "Providing Effective Education for Reentry Success Act" is designed to improve educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals in Washington State. The bill mandates the Department of Corrections to facilitate access to postsecondary education and digital literacy, including providing laptop computers with Wi-Fi capability as personal property for inmates. It emphasizes the importance of timely educational access and requires the department to ensure that internet access supports educational participation. Additionally, the act prioritizes educational programming, requiring participation in approved education or work programs, and outlines the department's responsibilities for installing broadband infrastructure and collaborating with the governor's broadband office.

The bill also amends existing laws regarding financial responsibilities for incarcerated individuals participating in postsecondary education programs. It specifies that individuals not meeting priority criteria must pay for their participation through self-pay or third-party payments, which will not be subject to existing deductions. Furthermore, it introduces new definitions and clarifies the role of third parties, such as nonprofit entities, in providing accredited education. The legislation ensures that funds received for educational purposes will not be subject to usual deductions applied to inmate funds, ultimately aiming to enhance educational access and support for incarcerated individuals while clearly defining financial responsibilities.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.330.530, 28B.145.010, 72.09.480