Legislation Advances to Governor Newsom that will Increase Higher Education Opportunities for Parolees
SB 990 by Senator Hueso will remove barriers for those seeking higher education and vocational training opportunities
Sacramento, CA, September 6, 2022 --- The State Legislature passed Senate Bill 990 by Senator Ben Hueso (D-San Diego) during the last week of the legislative session bringing the state one step closer to providing new opportunities for system-impacted individuals to access higher education and vocational training. If signed into law, it would remove barriers for formerly incarcerated individuals who are on parole. It would give them the opportunity to live, work or pursue education in a county where a post-secondary educational or vocational training program opportunity is located rather than to the county of their last legal residence. Introduced by State Senator Ben Hueso and co-sponsored by the Michelson Center for Public Policy, Root & Rebound, and the Underground Scholars Initiative, SB 990 would reduce recidivism and prioritize educational opportunities.
“Removing some of the unnecessary barriers during the parole process will allow individuals to relocate to the county in which they have educational opportunities,” said Senator Hueso. “The legislation is aimed at helping those who have embraced educational and vocational studies available in prison and are actively pursuing further educational studies on parole. This is a key step towards reducing recidivism and helping system-impacted individuals to successfully reintegrate into society and towards a career and positive life pathway.”
When individuals are released from prison, they are usually required to finish their sentence on parole. People on parole are returned to the county of their last legal residence with very few options for relocation, and parole officers are given total discretion over each person’s application for transfer. This means applications for parole transfers have a higher chance of being denied, even when the transfer would mean furthering the educational or employment opportunities of the person on parole. SB 990 would expand and allow these individuals to relocate to counties with opportunities for higher education or vocational training programs, job prospects, housing options, familial support, or treatment facilities.
“We appreciate Senator Hueso’s leadership for advocating for changes in the law for those transitioning out of the prison system,” said Phillip Kim with the Michelson Center for Public Policy (MCPP). “Our current system is outdated; it is critical we address the challenges system-impacted individuals face when returning to the community. SB 990 would open the doors for those on parole to better secure housing, stability, and a career. We encourage Governor Newsom to sign SB 990 into law benefiting thousands who need a second chance.”
“Despite the intention to help system-impacted people transition from incarceration to the community, parole oftentimes hinders this process, acting as yet another hurdle many of our clients and formerly incarcerated people face,” said Gail Yen with Root & Rebound. “By breaking down unnecessary bureaucratic barriers, the passage of SB 990 will benefit thousands of system-impacted individuals and their families.”
“We encourage Governor Newsom to sign this legislation and help ease the pathway to success as it would smooth the parole transfer process and give formerly incarcerated individuals more opportunities to start a new life,” said Azadeh Zohrabi with Underground Scholars. “We appreciate Senator Hueso’s efforts as this will help many people who seek to earn a degree or a vocation.”
One of the biggest challenges system-impacted individuals face is finding sustainable employment after incarceration; it is critical that the state provide these populations the resources and opportunities they need to successfully transition back into society.
When enrolled in higher education, individuals can more easily access resources to support their basic needs, including housing and positive social activities. In recent years, more and more system-impacted people have earned acceptance into state colleges and universities. Despite their hard work, some parole officers have denied these individuals’ transfer requests, severely hindering their ability to seize these opportunities and smoothly transition back into society.
SB 990 passed with a vote of 31-8 in the State Senate and is now on Governor Newsom’s desk for approval. Governor Newsom has until September 30, 2022 to sign the bill, which would go into effect on January 1, 2023. Read the legislation here.
