HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 79

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

INTRODUCED BY

Eleanor Chavez

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO ASSIGN A STUDY OF PENAL SYSTEM REFORM TO THE APPROPRIATE INTERIM COMMITTEE.

     WHEREAS, it is essential that prisoners in New Mexico's penal system be prepared to reenter society as contributing citizens; and

     WHEREAS, proper psychological rehabilitation and job training are necessary to prepare a prisoner for release; and

     WHEREAS, it is essential that prisoners at private prisons have the same opportunities and programs as prisoners at state-owned facilities; and

     WHEREAS, a study needs to be performed to look at these issues as well as other issues related to penal system reform;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to assign a study of penal system reform to the appropriate interim committee; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study include the psychological rehabilitation being given to prisoners before release; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study include the job training and other career programs being offered to prisoners in New Mexico, including job placement programs for prisoners scheduled to be released; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study include an examination of how probation and parole officers may assist with the employment of parolees; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study include how programs and opportunities for prisoners at private institutions differ from those offered prisoners at state-owned institutions; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the results of the study be submitted to the governor and to the second session of the forty-ninth legislature; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council.

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