These studies further point out a strong correlation between illiteracy and criminal behavior and show recidivism rates to be much higher for low-level literacy criminals. In 1983, Alabama conducted an investigation on recidivism on 129 inmates who had taken post-secondary education courses while incarcerated. SB 1 seeks to reduce the recidivism rate for Alaska's correctional facilities by encouraging prisoners to obtain their G.E.D. thereby increasing their chances of successfully re-intergrating back into society when they are released. Those prisoners who are incapable of obtaining a G.E.D. or who have already received a high school diploma or its equivalent would not be subject to the provisions of SB 1. SB 1 is pro-active legislation designed to reduce the recidivism rate through encouraging literacy among imprisoned criminal offenders.
Lower recidivism means safer Alaskan communities.