Resolve, Directing The Department Of Corrections To Convene A Working Group To Examine The Establishment Of A Program To Award Earned Time Credit For Educational Achievement To Persons Who Are Incarcerated

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jan Dodge and 5 co-sponsors

LD 1979 - Earned Time Credit for Educational Achievement for Incarcerated Persons OverviewBill Number: LD 1979 Title: Resolve, Directing The Department Of Corrections To Convene A

Became Law without Governor's Signature

#earlyrelease #educationdegrees #prisoners

Overview

Bill Number: LD 1979
Title: Resolve, Directing The Department Of Corrections To Convene A Working Group To Examine The Establishment Of A Program To Award Earned Time Credit For Educational Achievement To Persons Who Are Incarcerated
Status: Became Law without Governor's Signature
Introduced: May 13, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of LD 1979 is to explore the feasibility of implementing a program that would allow incarcerated individuals to earn time credits towards early release by achieving educational milestones. The bill aims to incentivize and support educational attainment among the incarcerated population as a means of rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society upon release.

Key Provisions

Directs the Department of Corrections to convene a working group to study the establishment of an "Earned Time Credit for Educational Achievement" program

Requires the working group to examine the following:

Appropriate educational benchmarks (e.g. high school diploma, college degree, vocational certification) that would qualify for earned time credits
The amount of time credit that should be awarded for each educational achievement
Logistical and budgetary considerations for implementing such a program
Potential impacts on recidivism rates and post-release outcomes

Mandates the working group to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the legislature by January 1, 2026

Affected Parties and Impacts

The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be incarcerated individuals who choose to pursue educational opportunities while incarcerated

If implemented, the program could incentivize more incarcerated persons to enroll in and complete educational programs, potentially leading to improved rehabilitation, reduced recidivism, and better post-release outcomes

The Department of Corrections and state budget would be impacted by the costs associated with expanding educational programming and administering the earned time credit system

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

LD 1979 became law without the Governor's signature, indicating a lack of strong opposition. The bill directs the Department of Corrections to convene a working group and submit its report by January 1, 2026. This timeline suggests the legislature intends to consider the working group's recommendations and potentially pass follow-up legislation to establish the earned time credit program in the 2026 legislative session.