(a)There is established a vocational village program that shall be administered by the Commissioner of Correction, in consultation with the Department of Economic and Community Development. The program shall provide skilled trades training to inmates and shall include, but need not be limited to, providing inmates opportunities to earn nationally recognized industry certifications and credentials. Such certifications and credentials may include, but need not be limited to, certifications and credentials in computer coding, carpentry, computerized numerical control manufacturing, welding, electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning and plumbing.
(b)The Commissioner of Correction shall:
(1)Establish eligibility criteria for participation in the program;
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(a) There is established a vocational village program that shall be administered by the Commissioner of Correction, in consultation with the Department of Economic and Community Development. The program shall provide skilled trades training to inmates and shall include, but need not be limited to, providing inmates opportunities to earn nationally recognized industry certifications and credentials. Such certifications and credentials may include, but need not be limited to, certifications and credentials in computer coding, carpentry, computerized numerical control manufacturing, welding, electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning and plumbing. (b) The Commissioner of Correction shall: (1) Establish eligibility criteria for participation in the program; (2) establish an application process for inmates to apply for participation in the program; (3) develop program objectives; (4) identify nationally recognized industry certifications to offer through the program; (5) develop and implement program curricula; (6) identify and utilize a suitable facility for the operation of the program; (7) obtain suitable staff for the operation of the program; (8) obtain suitable equipment and educational materials for the operation of the program; and (9) prepare and equip the Department of Correction and its post-secondary education partners to utilize funding allocated pursuant to subsection (e) of this section for programs that produce economic and other benefits, including, but not limited to, employment opportunities for inmates. (c) The Commissioner of Correction may (1) participate in the federal Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program, or (2) partner with private sector entities to further the objectives of the vocational village program. (d) Not later than January 1, 2022, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner of Correction shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a , on the vocational village program to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the judiciary and commerce. (e) The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall allocate funds to the Department of Correction, from the federal funds received by the state pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, P.L. 116-136, as amended from time to time, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, P.L. 116-260, as amended from time to time, or the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, P.L. 117-2, as amended from time to time, for the purposes of the program established pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.