(a) The department shall establish a pilot program to provide educational and vocational training, employment, and reentry services to:
(1) defendants placed on community supervision under Article 42A.562, Code of Criminal Procedure; and
(2) inmates released on parole who are required to participate in the program as a condition of parole imposed under § 508.1455.
(b) The department, in consultation with interested parties, shall determine the eligibility criteria for a defendant or inmate to participate in the pilot program, including requiring the defendant or inmate to arrange for suitable housing while participating in the program.

(c) The department, in consultation with interested parties, shall identify at least two and not more than four sites in this state in which the pilot program will operate. In identifying the sites, the department shall consider locating the program in various regions throughout the state, including locations having a variety of population sizes, provided that the department shall select sites based on where the program will have the greatest likelihood of success and regardless of geographic region or population size. The department shall also give consideration to whether a risk and needs assessment is generally conducted before sentencing defendants in a particular location and to the degree to which local judges show support for the establishment of the program in a particular location.
(d) The department shall issue a request for proposals from public or private entities to provide services through the pilot program. The department shall select one or more qualified applicants to provide services through the program to eligible defendants and inmates.
(e) The pilot program consists of approximately 180 days of employment-related services and support and must include:
(1) an initial period during which the defendant or inmate will:
(A) receive training and education related to the defendant’s or inmate’s vocational goals; and
(B) be employed by the provider;
(2) job placement services designed to provide employment for the defendant or inmate after the period described by Subdivision (1);
(3) assistance in obtaining a high school diploma or industry certification for applicable defendants and inmates;
(4) life-skills training, including information about budgeting and money management; and
(5) counseling and mental health services.
(f) The department shall limit the number of defendants and inmates who may participate in the pilot program to not more than 45 individuals per quarter per program location.
(g) The department shall pay providers not less than $40 per day for each participant.