Beshear signs executive order, announces new reentry services efforts

Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order creating the Governor's Council of Second Chance Employers during his weekly Team Kentucky update Thursday afternoon.

Beshear said the council will be made of executive branch members and business leaders in Kentucky meeting to educate and encourage employers on the benefits of second chance hiring. It will also advocate for laws and investments to improve reentry outcomes and develop best practices for effective reentry programs.

The executive order is part of a larger effort to increase reentry services, which help people transition back to communities after incarceration, during Beshear's second term. He also announced his administration is working to establish a licensed cosmetology school in the Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women as well as exploring potential partnerships on similar vocational programs across the state's prison system.

"Investing in individuals as they reenter their communities is an investment in the future of Kentucky, both our economy and public safety," Beshear said.

Beshear also touted Kentucky's three years of "some of the lowest recidivism rates" the state has seen as well as efforts and programs his administration already implemented.

The Department of Corrections last year reported Kentucky's recidivism rate was 27.5%, defined as a new felony committed within two years of release or a return to prison on a technical violation.

Other programs and initiatives already in place include:

"I'm just really grateful and we've seen so many cabinets come together in is a real historic effort on reentry services," Beshear said. "The goal is to reduce recidivism, thereby reducing crime, all while increasing our Labor Workforce, while putting families back together and providing stability."

Kerry Harvey, special advisor to the governor for reentry programs, said the programs and partnerships strengthen the state and improve public safety.

“By establishing strong second chances for those who have been released from incarceration, we are building a new Kentucky home where our future generations not only are safe but feel safe at home and in their communities, while also saving lives," Harvey said.

Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at @[email protected] or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski.