Section 72.09.465. Postsecondary education degree programs.

(1) The department shall, if funds are appropriated for the specific purpose, implement postsecondary education degree programs within state correctional institutions, including the state correctional institution with the largest population of female inmates. During the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium, the department may implement postsecondary degree programs within state institutions, including the state correctional institution with the largest population of females, within its existing funds and under the limitations in this section, to include any funding provided under subsection (3) of this section. The department shall consider for inclusion in any postsecondary education degree program, any postsecondary education degree program from an accredited community college, college, or university that is part of an associate of arts, baccalaureate, masters of arts, or other graduate degree program.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, inmates shall be required to pay the costs for participation in any postsecondary education degree programs established under this subsection [section], including books, fees, tuition, or any other appropriate ancillary costs, by one or more of the following means:

(a) The inmate who is participating in the postsecondary education degree program shall, during confinement, provide the required payment or payments to the department; or

(b) A third party shall provide the required payment or payments directly to the department on behalf of an inmate, and such payments shall not be subject to any of the deductions as provided in this chapter.

(3) The department may accept any and all donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services from any third party, including but not limited to nonprofit entities, and may receive, utilize, and dispose of same to provide postsecondary education to inmates.

(4) During the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium, an inmate may be selected to participate in a state-funded postsecondary education degree program, based on priority criteria determined by the department, in which the following conditions may be considered:

(a) Priority should be given to inmates within five years of release;

(b) The inmate does not already possess a postsecondary education degree; and

(c) The inmate's individual reentry plan includes participation in a postsecondary education degree program that is:

(i) Offered at the inmate's state correctional institution; and

(ii) Approved by the department as an eligible and effective postsecondary education degree program.

(5) Any funds collected by the department under this section shall be used solely for the creation, maintenance, or expansion of inmate postsecondary education degree programs.

[ 2016 1st sp.s. c 36 § 946; 2007 c 483 § 403.]

NOTES:

Effective date—2016 1st sp.s. c 36: See note following RCW 18.20.430.

Findings—Intent—2007 c 483: See note following RCW 72.09.460.

Findings—2007 c 483: See RCW 72.78.005.

2016 1st sp.s. c 36 § 946; 2007 c 483 § 403.