New York officials will study and create a plan for strengthening access to education in the state prison system as part of a law signed Wednesday by Gov. Kathy Hochul. 

The new law will create a commission to review the issue, which supporters say will ultimately lead to a reduction in recidivism. 

"When incarcerated individuals reenter society, it's critical we ensure they are prepared and ready to forge a path for themselves and their families,"  Hochul said. 

"By embarking on a detailed study of how we can improve education for those who are incarcerated, we will be able to identify and implement the programs and resources necessary for ensuring those who are reentering society have the best shot at success. This not only benefits the individual and their families, but the community at large, as well."

The law, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Park and Assemblyman Charles Baroon, will create a nine-member panel to develop ways of improving education for people in prison.

The commission will include three appointees of the governor, two by the Assembly speaker and two by the president of the state Senate. One appointee each is given to the minority leaders in the state Senate and Assembly, as well. 

"The state's prison system has to do a better job at preparing people in prison to re-enter society so that they can lead meaningful lives," Parker said.

"This law will ensure that we are implementing educational programs in prison to prepare individuals to become contributing members of society upon their release."

Improving education in prisons can be a controversial task. In 2014, then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo backed a plan to provide access to college course to people prison, sparking bipartisan backlash. 

Three years later, Cuomo's administration awarded $7 million to colleges to provide courses to people in prison. The stated goal at the time was to reduce the population of people in prison further by helping them begin to build a life after they are released. 

"This bill speaks to moving the prison industrial complex from punishment to education and eventual liberation of the incarcerated," Barron said. "We must build a society where education is prioritized over incarceration."