Senate Approves Bipartisan Coleman Bill to Help Incarcerated Prepare to Re-enter Society,Reduce Recidivism

Legislation would allow Department of Corrections to create programs that focus on rehabilitation, reintegration and re-entry for incarcerated individuals 

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate unanimously approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator James Coleman (D-Denver) and Senator Dennis Hisey (R-Fountain) that aims to help Coloradans in the criminal justice system prepare to reintegrate back into society and reduce recidivism.

“Without adequate access to housing, education and especially employment, 50 percent of Colorado's formerly incarcerated are reverted back to the system shortly after release. In order for these individuals to be able to rebuild, they must have access to programs that focus on preparing them for re-entry into society, not recidivism,” said Sen. Coleman. “This bill will give folks more opportunities to receive skilled training, accountability, responsibility and higher wages, and better promote successful rehabilitation, re-entry, and reintegration into their communities.” 

The Department of Corrections (DOC) currently prioritizes financial profit rather than focusing on efforts to promote successful reintegration. SB22-050 removes the requirement for Colorado Correctional Industries (CCi) to make a profit, which will allow the DOC to focus on work programs that benefit the reentry and reintegration of the incarcerated population, rather than focusing on programs that create revenue.

The legislation ensures that the Take TWO (Transitional Work Opportunity) program and CCi programs function under the same division at DOC, and gives DOC greater flexibility to recruit, organize, and create meaningful work programs that provide skilled training, accountability, responsibility and higher wages.

The bill will also allow DOC to reorganize work programs with the aim of raising wages for those incarcerated without the use of tax dollars. 

SB22-050 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill here.