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CS/CS/HB 325 — Education and Workforce Development for Inmates
by Education & Employment Committee; Careers & Workforce Subcommittee; and Rep. Kendall and others (SB 1300 by Senator Calatayud)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Criminal Justice Committee (CJ)
The bill broadens the Department of Transportation's (DOT) ability to expend funds for a workforce development program offered by private educational providers, for certification and training opportunities within the Florida Transportation Academy (Academy).
The bill expands DOT's commercial licensing program within the Academy to include
nonviolent inmates who are proficient in English and have two years or less remaining on their sentence. To facilitate this training in DOC correctional institutions and facilities, the bill allows an inmate to be transported in or operate a state-owned vehicle for the purpose of completing program requirements or demonstrating proficiency. At least one certified correctional officer must be present. The program must include training opportunities for Class A and Class B licenses.
Additionally, the bill requires the Correctional Education Program's annual report to include specified information, including but not limited to, the number of inmates who completed career and technical education training and the number of inmates who completed training and were employed within six months after being released from prison.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor's signature, these provisions take effect on July 1, 2026.
Vote: Senate 36-0; House 112-0