SB 980 - This act provides that the Department of Corrections shall operate a "Prison-Based Education Initiative" and shall, subject to appropriation, provide portable electronic devices that allow inmates to access individualized programming within the prison system. The individualized programming shall have the capability to generate individual profiles for each user in order for the Department of Corrections to report inmate compliance with vocation, education, and rehabilitative requirements. The reports shall include certain data as provided in the act. The software and hardware of the individualized programming shall include certain capabilities such as bilingual functionality, wireless connection to a secure network, and other capabilities as provided in the act. Additionally, third-party contractors shall offer certain services to the Department such as training on device operation, access to a secure network, and other customer services. Finally, the Department shall provide an annual report to the General Assembly by December 31st of each year. The report shall include certain data as provided in the act. MARY GRACE BRUNTRAGER