LD 1844 - An Act to Expand the State's Workforce by Supporting the Transition from Incarceration to Employment

UPDATE: Out of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety (CJPS) Committee with a party line vote Ought to Pass. Full Legislature will vote soon.

This bill calls for mandatory special intensive out of cell programing for everyone during the final six months prior to release, especially individuals who have been most isolated while serving time and/or who have been incarcerated a long time. Sponsored by Rep. Sayre.

Programming will include reentry services within the following areas: 

Health and wellness, accessing available MaineCare and veterans' benefits and connecting with community providers and other resources for treating and managing substance use disorder and maintaining physical and mental  health.

Financial literacy and planning, such as information about opening a bank account, managing a budget and building and maintaining credit.

Employment preparation, writing a resume, searching for employment, information about obtaining a driver's license, information about obtaining work-related certification or licensure and locating and securing housing. 

Community and family integration, in terms of voter registration, information about services offered through the statewide 2-1-1 telephone number designated pursuant to Title 35-A, section 7108 and connecting with community support programs, including programs offering education on conflict resolution, establishing and maintaining relationships and rejection management techniques. 

Technology training, including, but not limited to, information about computer literacy programs and avoiding Internet scams.  

In summary, this bill directs the Commissioner of Corrections to establish and maintain reentry  services for residents of correctional facilities. Reentry services must include services related to health and wellness, financial literacy and planning, employment preparation, community and family integration and technology training.