A. When any inmate shall be discharged from an institution of the Department of Corrections and the intended residence designated by the inmate is within this state, the Department of Corrections shall provide the inmate with relevant documentation to assist the inmate in obtaining post-release employment and shall coordinate with the Department of Public Safety to provide a REAL ID Noncompliant Identification Card if the inmate does not have a current state-issued identification card or driver license.
B. 1. Within nine (9) months prior to the release of an inmate from custody, the Department of Corrections shall identify whether the inmate has a current form of state identification and begin the process of gathering the documentation required for the issuance of a REAL ID Noncompliant Identification Card pursuant to Section 6-105.3 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes. If an inmate has any valid form of a state-issued identification card or driver license, the inmate may avail himself or herself of the provisions of this section.
2. The Department of Corrections may utilize any funds available to cover the costs associated with the implementation and administration of this section and the purchase of REAL ID Noncompliant Identification Cards, including, but not limited to, inmate trust funds, existing funds of the Department of Corrections and donations.
3. The provisions of this section shall apply only to inmates who may receive a state-issued identification card pursuant to Section 1550.42 of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
C. For purposes of assisting an inmate in obtaining post-release employment, the Department of Corrections shall provide the inmate with the following documentation:
1. A copy of the vocational training record of the inmate, if applicable;
2. A copy of the work record of the inmate, if applicable;
3. A certified copy of the birth certificate of the inmate, if obtainable;
4. A Social Security card or a replacement Social Security card of the inmate, if obtainable;
5. A resume that includes any trade learned by the inmate and the proficiency at that trade by the inmate; and
6. Documentation that the inmate has completed a practice job interview.
In addition, the Department shall notify the inmate if he or she is eligible to apply for a license from a state entity charged with oversight of an occupational license or certification.
D. The Department of Corrections is authorized to promulgate rules and procedures to implement the provisions of this section.
Added by Laws 2021, c. 70, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2021.