30:4-92.1 Mandatory workforce skills training program.

1. The Commissioner of Corrections, in consultation with the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, shall establish a mandatory workforce skills training program in each State correctional facility under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections.

a. The requirement of participating in a workforce skills training program shall apply to an inmate who:

(1) is in the custody of the Department of Corrections on the effective date of P.L.2009, c.330 (C.30:4-92.1 et al.);

(2) has 18 months or more remaining to be served before a mandatory release date; and

(3) is not exempted due to a medical, developmental, or learning disability.

b. The mandatory workforce skills training program requirement may be deferred for an inmate who is serving a sentence exceeding 10 years.

c. The workforce skills training program shall contain a computer literacy component, including instruction on word processing, typing, Internet navigation, and use of e-mail.

d. An inmate who satisfactorily participates in the mandatory workforce skills training program shall be eligible for commutation time for good behavior pursuant to R.S.30:4-140 or credits for diligent application to work and other institutional assignments pursuant to R.S.30:4-92.

e. The commissioner shall report to the State Parole Board the progress of an inmate participating in the mandatory workforce skills training program.

f. The commissioner, in consultation with the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, shall promulgate, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) the rules and regulations that are necessary to implement the provisions of P.L.2009, c.330 (C.30:4-92.1 et al.). These rules and regulations shall include, but not be limited to, provisions to:

(1) determine when an inmate shall be exempted from the mandatory workforce skills training requirement due to a medical, developmental, or learning disability as authorized under paragraph (3) of subsection a. of this section; and

(2) authorize these exempted inmates to voluntarily participate in the mandatory workforce skills training program.

L.2009, c.330, s.1.