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SR 432

Senate Higher Education in Prison Study Committee; create

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Max Burns and 2 co-sponsors

Senate Resolution 432 establishes a committee to enhance postsecondary education for Georgia's 47,000 inmates, aiming to reduce recidivism and improve community reintegration.

Senate Read and Referred
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Bill Summary · SR 432

Summary of Senate Resolution 432: Senate Higher Education in Prison Study Committee

Bill Number: SR 432
Introduced: March 20, 2025
Status: Senate Read and Referred
Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

Senate Resolution 432 aims to establish the Senate Higher Education in Prison Study Committee. The primary goal of this committee is to investigate the potential social and economic impacts of increasing postsecondary educational opportunities for individuals incarcerated in Georgia's prisons. The resolution emphasizes the importance of higher education as a means to improve employment outcomes, reduce recidivism, and enhance community reintegration for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Key Provisions

  1. Creation of the Committee:

    • The committee will consist of six members appointed by the President of the Senate, including:
      • Two co-chairpersons (one from the majority party and one from the minority party).
      • The commissioner of corrections or their designee.
      • The commissioner of community supervision or their designee.
      • The chancellor of the Board of Regents or their designee.
      • The commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia or their designee.

  2. Duties and Responsibilities:

    • The committee will study the conditions, needs, and challenges related to postsecondary education in prisons.
    • It will examine current educational offerings and successful models from other states.
    • The committee is tasked with recommending any necessary actions or legislation to enhance educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals.

  3. Meetings and Reporting:

    • The co-chairpersons will call meetings at their discretion.
    • The committee must file a report of findings and recommendations before its abolishment on December 1, 2025. Reports must be approved by a majority vote of the committee.

  4. Compensation and Funding:

    • Legislative members will receive allowances as per Georgia law.
    • Non-legislative members may be reimbursed for expenses incurred during their service.
    • Funding for the committee's activities will come from appropriations to the Senate, with specific provisions for state officials and employees.

Impact

  • Target Population: The bill addresses the needs of over 47,000 individuals currently incarcerated in Georgia, with a focus on reducing the 30% recidivism rate through educational programs.
  • Economic Considerations: By enhancing educational opportunities, the resolution aims to improve workforce readiness and contribute to the state's economy, which incurred $1.32 billion in prison costs in 2024.
  • Community Benefits: The resolution highlights that educated individuals reintegrating into society can lead to stronger communities and reduced future costs associated with recidivism.

Conclusion

Senate Resolution 432 is a proactive measure to explore and enhance educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals in Georgia. By establishing a dedicated study committee, the resolution seeks to address significant barriers to education in prisons and promote successful reintegration into society, ultimately benefiting both individuals and the broader community.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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