Required meeting to discuss current and future career opportunities; space; annual report; exceptions; waiver

Sec. 7. (a) As used in this section, "intermediary" has the meaning set forth in IC 21-18-1-3.5. (b) As used in this section, "labor organization" has the meaning set forth in IC 22-6-6-5. (c) Except as provided in subsections (g), (h), and (i), the department, during the one hundred eighty (180) days before a committed offender is: (1) released on parole; (2) assigned to a community transition program; (3) discharged from the department; or (4) released on probation; shall require the committed offender to meet in person at least one (1) time with an intermediary, an employer, or a labor organization to discuss current and future career opportunities and the necessary education levels for various careers. (d) The department shall provide space for the meeting required under subsection (c). (e) For purposes of subsection (c), an offender may meet only with an intermediary, an employer, or a labor organization that is included on the list prepared under IC 21-18-19-1. (f) An intermediary, an employer, or a labor organization that meets with a committed offender under subsection (c) shall submit an annual report to the commission for higher education in the manner established by the commission for higher education under IC 21-18-19-1. (g) The meeting requirement under subsection (c) does not apply to a committed offender who is participating in the department's Hoosier Initiative for Re-Entry Program. (h) If the department determines that no intermediaries, employers, or labor organizations are willing to meet with committed offenders under subsection (c), the department may submit to the commission for higher education a written request to waive the meeting requirement. (i) The meeting requirement under subsection (c) does not apply if the department determines that a meeting under subsection (c) cannot be safely held. If the department makes a determination under this subsection, the department shall provide notice to the commission for higher education.