(1) The general assembly hereby finds and declares that illiteracy is a problem in today's society and a particular problem among persons in correctional facilities.
(2) The general assembly further finds and declares that:
Illiteracy and cognitive and vocational deficiencies among persons in the custody ofthe department contribute to their inability to successfully reintegrate into society upon their release from custody and the likelihood of their return to criminal activity; and
Research demonstrates a clear relationship between employment of such persons anda reduction in their recidivism.
It is therefore the intent of the general assembly in enacting this article to:
Develop and implement a comprehensive competency-based educational and vocational program to combat illiteracy and develop marketable employment skills among persons in correctional facilities so they can become productive members of society when they are reintegrated into society; and
Ensure that state funding is provided to educational and vocational programs thatmeet performance objectives, provide market-relevant training, and are proven to increase the likelihood that persons who are released from a correctional facility will successfully reintegrate into society.
Source: L. 90: Entire article added, p. 971, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2000: Entire section amended, p. 850, § 52, effective May 24. L. 2010: Entire section amended, (HB 10-1112), ch.
57, p. 205, § 1, effective August 11.