HB 330 is intended to help people who are incarcerated more easily obtain state identification and to remove some prohibitions on their access to computers. Namely, the bill would allow the Department of Corrections (DOC) to approve the use of computers for rehabilitation or compliance with a re-entry plan or case plan, including use related to access to legal materials, visitation, or health care.
We support measures that provide better access to state identification upon release, given how critical official identification is to establishing life outside custody. We also support policy that provides greater access to computers for incarcerated Alaskans because digital technology can help individuals be successful upon release—by maintaining social bonds, accessing behavioral treatment, learning computer skills that are essential in today’s society, or arranging healthcare or housing when they are released.
