Bill > S01643

This bill establishes a three-year job fair pilot program designed to help incarcerated individuals prepare for employment upon release. Specifically, the program will be implemented in the Wende and New York City correctional facility hubs, with job fairs held at least three times per year for inmates within six months of release. The job fairs will provide assistance with resume preparation, internet job searches, interview skills, and other employment-related support. The Department of Corrections will collaborate with the Department of Labor to invite potential employers to these events. Each participating prison will have a dedicated job fair coordinator, and eligible inmates will be escorted to the job fairs. While most correctional facilities in the Wende and New York City hubs are included, inmates at Albion, Taconic, and Bedford Correctional Facilities will be offered alternative job search opportunities. The bill requires the commissioner to conduct annual evaluations of the program, tracking metrics such as recidivism rates, number of attendees, employers present, and jobs offered. These evaluations will be reported to the public and legislature annually, with recidivism statistics tracked for three additional years after the pilot program ends. The program aims to improve employment prospects and potentially reduce recidivism among soon-to-be-released inmates.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1643