2018-02-02                     House Journal                      Page 2313
HB 325                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 325 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                                                   
the Governor, entitled:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                

2018-02-02                     House Journal                      Page 2314
     "An Act relating to computer use by prisoners; and relating to an                                                          
     exemption from the State Procurement Code for contracts for                                                                
     rehabilitation and reentry services."                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary                                                         
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
1.  Zero, Dept. of Corrections                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 31 follows:                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
"Dear Speaker Edgmon:                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska                                                                   
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to rehabilitation and                                                           
reentry services for prisoners.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
This bill would further the State's goal of successful rehabilitation of                                                        
prisoners by increasing access to reentry and rehabilitation services                                                           
both online and in their home towns. First, the bill would allow                                                                
incarcerated persons to use computers to access reentry services,                                                               
allowing them to apply for medical assistance, search for housing, and                                                          
other services they will need post-incarceration. Second, the bill would                                                        
authorize the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections to                                                                  
authorize contracts for rehabilitation services without going through                                                           
the procurement code.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
In many instances, released prisoners wish to return to their home                                                              
communities to be with family and friends, have a support system, and                                                           
be in a familiar setting. If that home community lacks established                                                              
rehabilitation services, the released prisoner must decide between                                                              
receiving services and living in the community most likely to assist in                                                         
the person's reentry to society. By exempting the Commissioner from                                                             
the procurement code for reentry and rehabilitation services, a person                                                          
would be able to receive needed services in the community most                                                                  
conducive to the person's recovery.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

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For a Safer Alaska, I urge your prompt and favorable action on this                                                             
measure.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Bill Walker                                                                                                                     
Governor"