HOUSE MEMORIAL 101

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Sheryl Williams Stapleton

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING STATE AGENCIES TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ASSIST EX-OFFENDERS AS THEY REENTER AND BECOME PRODUCTIVE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY.

     WHEREAS, most ex-offenders who are released from incarceration, probation and parole have fulfilled all the requirements of their sentences; and

     WHEREAS, an estimated ninety percent of all offenders will be released upon completion of their sentences and will reenter society; and

     WHEREAS, many ex-offenders need counseling and support as they reintegrate into society; and

     WHEREAS, ex-offenders may need additional education and training to prepare for employment and to enter the work force; and

     WHEREAS, ex-offenders, upon release from prison, may have their voting rights restored; and

     WHEREAS, strong support and effective programs can prevent recidivism; and

      WHEREAS, a disproportionate number of persons incarcerated in prison are Hispanic, Native American or African American; and

     WHEREAS, the office on African American affairs has taken a leadership role in addressing the needs of ex-offenders;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that all state agencies be requested to examine ways in which they can promote hiring of ex-offenders so that they more successfully reintegrate into the community and in which they can reduce barriers to employing ex-offenders in their own agencies; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all state agencies be requested to examine their roles in helping ex-offenders become fully participating, productive members of society; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretaries of every department in the executive branch, the attorney general, the state auditor, the commissioner of public lands and the secretary of state.

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