Bill > A02132

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, offering job fairs at least three times per year for inmates within six months of release. These job fairs will provide participants with assistance in resume preparation, internet job searches, interview skills, and other employment-related support. The Department of Corrections will collaborate with the Department of Labor to identify and invite potential employers to these events. A coordinator will be appointed at each participating prison, 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 enhanced job search opportunities. The department is required to establish safety protocols for the job fairs and conduct annual evaluations, which will track metrics such as recidivism rates, number of attendees, participating employers, and jobs offered. These evaluation reports will be submitted to the public and legislature annually, with recidivism statistics tracked for an additional three years after the pilot program concludes.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2132