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Committee reports LEARNS Amendment Act to council, requiring permanent DOC oversight of education in custody
Summary
The Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety unanimously moved the LEARNS Amendment Act (Bill 26‑5) forward, making permanent DOC responsibility for education in correctional facilities, requiring evaluations for students not previously assessed for special education, and establishing an online DOC grievance portal.
Councilmember Brooke Pinto, chairwoman of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, moved the LEARNS Amendment Act (Bill 26‑5) out of committee on April 9, 2026, saying the measure makes permanent the Department of Corrections' oversight of education services at city correctional facilities.
Pinto described four primary components: requiring DOC to maintain a contract with a qualified education provider to deliver Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to eligible students in custody; mandating evaluations for students who were not previously assessed for special education upon arrival; creating an online grievance portal for residents and staff to submit and track complaints; and incorporating technical, non‑germane amendments including a subject‑to‑appropriations clause added after a Fiscal Impact Statement was circulated. "Education is a powerful tool for rehabilitation," Pinto said, framing the bill as part of reentry supports.
The chair moved to "print and report" the bill with leave for staff to make technical and conforming changes. With no further discussion, the committee approved the motion unanimously. The committee record shows the motion passed and the bill will proceed to further Council consideration and drafting for a full Council vote schedule.
