Bill > HB0167

This bill aims to improve offender reintegration and support services in Utah by making several key changes across multiple areas of law. The bill creates a new Rehabilitation and Reentry Services Special Revenue Fund with $2 million in initial funding to provide direct services to offenders, including educational services, job training, life skills training, job placement assistance, housing support, and health services. It modifies local criminal justice coordinating councils to include more specific goals around connecting residents on probation or parole with critical resources like housing, employment, and mental health services. The bill also adjusts public employment regulations to be more inclusive of individuals with criminal histories, reducing barriers to employment by preventing employers from automatically disqualifying job applicants based on past convictions, particularly for mental health professionals. Additionally, the legislation enables the Department of Corrections to procure technology services that can help coordinate services across agencies and improve accountability for individuals on probation or parole. The bill demonstrates a comprehensive approach to supporting offender reintegration by addressing employment, service coordination, and direct support mechanisms, with the ultimate goal of reducing recidivism and helping individuals successfully return to their communities.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0167.html