Senate passes bill to create corrections reentry division to expand programming for incarcerated people

The Utah Senate voted to pass second substitute House Bill 248, a measure creating a Reentry Division within the Department of Corrections intended to coordinate programming for incarcerated people and better prepare them for parole and reentry.

Senator Owens, the sponsor, said the bill "creates a reentry division" to help determine timing for completion with the Board of Pardons and Parole, initiate at least two programs as soon as a case action is created, and provide student-success advisors to facilitate access to services. The sponsor said the federal government has made a "second chance" package available to some incarcerated individuals and that the bill positions counselors to help them access those benefits.

The Senate conducted a roll call after brief floor consideration; the presiding officer reported the bill received 23 yea votes, 0 nays and 6 absent. The bill will be returned to the House for further consideration.

Supporters on the floor framed the measure as a continuity and operational improvement that will help reduce gaps in pre-release services and improve coordination among corrections, parole boards and community providers. The sponsor listed agency support from the Department of Corrections, the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (CCJJ), the Utah Sentencing Commission and Utah Substance Use and Mental Health.

The bill's next procedural step is transmission back to the House. Floor remarks indicated no amendments were pending at the time of final passage.