Decreasing probation period; establishes criteria for mandatory reduction.

Prisoner reentry; Department of Corrections.Requires the Department of Corrections to develop and implement acertificate of rehabilitation program for the purposes of assistingan inmate's successful transition from prison to society upon theperson's discharge. The bill provides that no person who is awardeda certificate of rehabilitation shall have such person's criminalhistory constitute a barrier to employment. Thebill also provides that no person shall be refused a license, certificate,or registration to practice, pursue, or engage in any regulated occupationor profession within the Department of Health Professions solelybecause of a prior criminal conviction, unless the criminal convictiondirectly relates to the occupation or profession for which the license,certificate, or registration is sought. Thebill also establishes criteria for which a court must reduce a defendant's probation period, including completing qualifying educational activities,maintaining verifiable employment, and completing a mental healthor substance abuse treatment program. The bill also provides thata court may decrease a defendant's probation period if warranted bythe defendant's conduct and in the interests of justice and maydo so without a hearing.