Bill > HB1313

This bill establishes two pilot programs aimed at supporting incarcerated individuals during and after their transition back into society. The first program, the Peer Focused Reentry Pilot Program, will be implemented in five Indiana correctional facilities, including the Indiana State Prison and the Indiana Women's Prison. It will employ peer mentors—individuals who have previously been incarcerated—to provide counseling and support to currently incarcerated individuals. These peer mentors will help individuals evaluate their choices, develop interpersonal skills, build self-confidence, and learn strategies for managing the stigma and challenges associated with having a criminal record. Each participating facility will employ at least three peer mentors, and the program is set to run from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2030. The second pilot program is a housing grant initiative that will operate in four Indiana counties: Allen, Lake, Marion, and Vanderburgh. This program will provide grants to community corrections programs, reentry programs, and nonprofit organizations to help discharged individuals obtain and maintain housing. Grant funds can be used for expenses such as security deposits, rental application fees, rental assistance, moving expenses, and utility deposits, as well as providing transportation services and housing-related classes. Both programs are designed to support successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into society.

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https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/house/1313/details