1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to public safety; establishing a pilot project to provide services to 
1.3 	ex-criminal offenders now in the community; requiring a report; appropriating 
1.4 	money.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. PILOT PROJECT; APPROPRIATION.
 1.7 	(a) $250,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, and $225,000 for the fiscal 
1.8 	year ending June 30, 2009, are appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner 
1.9 	of corrections for a grant to a nonprofit organization to establish a pilot project to 
1.10 	provide employment services to ex-criminal offenders living in the North Minneapolis 
1.11 	community. The pilot project must provide the ex-offender participants with a continuum 
1.12 	of employment services that identifies their needs; intervenes with them through case 
1.13 	management if they are struggling; and provides them with work readiness, skill 
1.14 	training, chemical and mental health referrals, housing support, job placement, work 
1.15 	experience, and job retention support. The pilot project shall work with community 
1.16 	corrections officials, faith-based organizations, and businesses to create an array of 
1.17 	support opportunities for the participants.
1.18 	(b) By January 15, 2010, the commissioner of corrections shall report to the chairs 
1.19 	and ranking minority members of the senate and house of representatives committees and 
1.20 	divisions having jurisdiction over criminal justice policy and funding on the activities 
1.21 	conducted by the grant recipient and the effectiveness of the pilot project.