The Nevada Assembly voted unanimously Monday for a Senate-approved bill that would provide free college classes to state prison inmates who can't afford tuition and fees.
SB317 establishes a statewide education system for prisoners, including inmates seeking two-year associate degree from the University and Community College System of Nevada.
If inmates or their parents can't afford tuition, they wouldn't have to pay. The bill's proponents said the waiver provision is important because education is a key factor in predicting whether inmates will re-offend once they're released.
All college credits would be transferable to any UCCSN school once an inmate is released from prison. To qualify for the waiver, the inmate must meet the qualifications for federal need-based assistance.
SB317 also requires the Department of Education to consult with the Department of Corrections to develop a statewide plan for secondary education. All education credits inmates earn would have to be transferable to any other prison to continue schooling.
The Assembly amended the bill to include revising judges' authority to release certain inmates early to alleviate jail overcrowding.
Under the bill, sheriffs could petition a judge for an emergency inmate release. The judge could release inmates who have served 75 percent of their sentence, are not a danger to the community and are not charged with violent crimes.
Prisoners released under the measure could be placed on residential confinement or another type of supervision.
The bill must go back to the Senate so senators can vote on the inmate release provisions added to the legislation by the Assembly.
