ATLANTA (February 26, 2014) – The State Senate passed Senate Bill 365, sponsored by Sen. Jesse Stone (R-Waynesboro), by a vote of 53 to 0. The bill seeks to clearly define a path for previous offenders to re-enter society and the workforce.
“It is exciting to see such resounding support for quality reform,” said Sen. Stone. “SB 365 will help people who have successfully completed all their treatments and rehabilitation requirements as well as make it easier for them to prove this fact to a potential employer.”
This bill proposes that the Department of Corrections and Board of Corrections have an enhanced role in the educational, vocational, social and behavioral programs after an offender is release from prison. This new role culminates with a new Treatment Completion Certificate program for offenders of non-violent crimes.
SB 365 also clarifies a number of issues within Georgia’s current systems. It requires third party consumer reporting agencies to update records monthly to ensure accuracy. The bill ensures review hearings for a juvenile who is removed from his home and placed in foster care.
The legislation continues reforms to the criminal justice system as recommended by the Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform.
For Immediate Release:
February 26, 2014
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Brett Johnson, Broadcast Specialist
brett.johnson@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028