Requires all incarcerated individuals who do not have a high-school diploma or its equivalent to receive a reading proficiency level assessment and dyslexia screening upon intake by the department of corrections; requires for such individuals who perform below a certain proficiency level to be provided with intervention services that are evidence-based, effective and consistent with science-based research specifically tailored to addressing dyslexia.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A1645A
SPONSOR: Simon (MS) TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the correction law, in relation to a reading proficiency
level assessment and dyslexia screening for incarcerated individuals
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
to amend the correction law, in relation to a reading proficiency level
assessment and dyslexia screening for incarcerated individuals.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1. The correction law is amended by adding a new section §
137-a.
JUSTIFICATION:
The prevalence of dyslexia in the general population is about 20%; the
prevalence of dyslexia among the incarcerated population is more than
twice that, or 48% according to a scientific study by the University of
Texas Medical Branch in conjunction with the Texas Department of Crimi-
nal Justice (2000). Given that illiteracy is a risk factor for criminal
behavior, and that dyslexia is one of the most common causes of reading
illiteracy, screening our state's incarcerated population and conducting
risk-and-needs assessment for every offender will identify this learning
disability. Initiating interventions that are evidence-based, effective,
and consistent with science-based research specifically tailored to
address dyslexia will help prepare these individuals while incarcerated
for a more productive life upon release.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021-2022: A.2062 Simon/S.307 Myrie - referred to crime victims, Crime
and Correction
2020: A.7822 (Simon)
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined
EFFECTIVE DATE:
this act shall take effect on the nineteenth day after it shall have
become a law. Effective immediately the addition, amendment and/or
repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of
this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed
on or before such date.
