Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signs a bill  to help prisoners develop work skills for employment options upon their release from prison.  

 

The bill will modify the current school application requirements to help cosmetology and barber schools in prisons continue to educate and train students. RISE Cosmetology School currently offers training programs at the Mabel Bassett Correctional Center. Representative Eric Roberts (R-Oklahoma City), the bill's author, says seeing the success of that program prompted him to want to see it expanded to other facilities.

 

 "In recent years, lawmakers have worked to reduce hurdles to employment for people with a criminal record through reforms such as occupational licensing reform and expungement automation under certain circumstances. When an individual can find employment after serving their time, it significantly decreases the likelihood they will return to crime and incarceration," Roberts said.  "I am grateful for the governor's support and the cooperation of my fellow lawmakers in developing reforms that will help previously convicted individuals reenter the workforce."

 

The law will go into effect on November 1.