Senate orders study of dyslexia among inmates, citing potential remediation and cost savings

The Senate approved legislation directing the Department of Corrections to study the prevalence of dyslexia among the incarcerated population and to report back with recommendations for remediation and reentry supports.

Senator Hickman, who sponsored the bill, noted that studies from Louisiana and Texas showed roughly half of prisoners screened positive for dyslexia while the general population prevalence is commonly cited as 5–15 percent. "The study shows is that about 50 percent of the prisoners ... had dyslexia," he said on the floor. He told colleagues the work would allow the state to place inmates into appropriate training and career pathways prior to their release.

Floor discussion included estimated costs: the sponsor said an online prescreen would cost roughly $5 per inmate and that the Department of Corrections already had the capability to record and manage the data. Senators from both sides of the aisle framed the measure as a conservative, evidence‑based approach that could reduce recidivism and ultimately save corrections resources if it helps match inmates to suitable remediation and vocational training.

The bill passed by morning roll call. Sponsors said they expect implementation details and fiscal implications to be coordinated between the Department of Corrections, the Department of Education and other workforce and reentry partners.

What’s next: The Department of Corrections will be responsible for carrying out the study and reporting results that could guide programmatic and budgetary decisions.