Senate Bill 724 mandates that the Department of Corrections and county sheriffs provide recreational opportunities and structured programming for inmates in state correctional institutions, county jails, and houses of correction. The bill specifies that when staffing levels for correctional officers and structured programming meet or exceed 80 percent, inmates must be allowed at least 35 hours per week for these activities, averaging five hours per day. If staffing is below 80 percent, the minimum is reduced to 21 hours per week, with specific requirements for recreational and structured programming hours. For county jail inmates, these provisions apply starting on the 91st day of confinement, with a gradual increase in allowed hours from the 31st day.

The bill also outlines the types of structured programming that should be prioritized, including academic instruction, vocational training, and behavioral health, among others. Inmates may have their recreational and programming privileges denied for up to 10 consecutive days if they are in solitary confinement or during a lockdown. The legislation aims to enhance the rehabilitation and well-being of inmates by ensuring they have access to meaningful activities that cater to their interests and needs.