Assembly Bill 297 establishes a performance grant program administered by the Department of Corrections (DOC) aimed at improving employment rates for individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision. The bill mandates that DOC calculate a baseline employment rate for these individuals based on data from fiscal years 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24. Each fiscal year, DOC will assess the current employment rate and determine eligibility for grants based on whether there is a positive difference between the current rate and the baseline. If eligible, regional offices can receive grants calculated by multiplying the positive difference by the number of individuals under supervision in their region and then by $2,500. The funds must be used to provide bonuses for employees of the regional offices.

Additionally, the bill requires DOC to develop and publish outcome-based measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the performance grants. These measures will include employment rates, recidivism rates, and the success of individuals completing their supervised status. DOC is also tasked with preparing annual reports for the legislature that detail the implementation of the grant program and provide recommendations for improvements. The bill emphasizes transparency and accountability by ensuring that these reports are publicly available.