_____________ joint resolution NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A joint resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of montana requesting an interim study on educational opportunities and vocational training for certain inmates; and requiring the final results of the study be reported to the 69th legislature.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to study educational opportunities and vocational training for inmates who are within 6 months of release, including but not limited to:

(1)        in-prison opportunities, such as barbering, tattooing, and cosmetology, that can lead to licensure when the inmate is released;

(2)        the availability of skilled-trade training programs, both private, public, and union-based;

(3)        the availability of unskilled trades;

(4)        availability and access to online certificate training programs;

(5)        how existing facilities, such as high school or college shops or other public or private facilities near prerelease centers, might be used during nonschool hours or outside of regular hours to teach inmates skills; and

(6)        if applicable, access to business classes to help inmates start businesses as an alternative option when employers are reluctant to hire a person with a criminal history.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study involve input from the Department of Corrections, the Department of Labor and Industry, the Office of Public Instruction, the Commissioner of Higher Education, labor representatives, representatives from the state and local chambers of commerce, and other stakeholders identified by the committee.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2024.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 69th Legislature.