Establishes visiting policies for incarcerated people, to provide incarcerated people opportunities for personal contact with relatives, friends, clergy, volunteers and other persons to promote better institutional adjustment and better community adjustment upon release.
Summary
Bill S05037 aims to amend the correction law in New York by establishing comprehensive visiting policies for incarcerated individuals. The bill mandates that state and local correctional facilities create visiting policies that facilitate in-person contact between incarcerated individuals and their relatives, friends, clergy, and volunteers. These policies are designed to promote individual transformation, improve institutional adjustment, and enhance community reintegration upon release. Key provisions include accommodating visiting hours, ensuring sufficient duration for visits, and implementing an equitable overcrowding policy.
Impact
If enacted, this bill would significantly impact the visiting policies of correctional facilities across New York State. It would require facilities to provide structured visiting hours, including evenings and weekends, and ensure that visits last at least one hour. Additionally, the bill emphasizes that video conferencing can supplement but not replace in-person visits, thereby reinforcing the importance of personal contact for incarcerated individuals. This change could lead to improved relationships between incarcerated individuals and their support networks, potentially aiding in their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill S05037 appears to be mixed. While it has garnered support from various senators, as evidenced by the votes in committee and on the Senate floor, there is also notable opposition. The final passage vote showed a significant number of nays, indicating concerns among some lawmakers about the implications of the bill. Discussions in committee may have highlighted differing views on the effectiveness of such visiting policies in achieving the intended outcomes.
Contention
Points of contention primarily revolve around the feasibility and potential consequences of implementing these visiting policies. Some lawmakers express concerns about the administrative burden on correctional facilities and the potential for overcrowding during visiting hours. Others question whether the proposed measures will effectively lead to better outcomes for incarcerated individuals. The divide appears to be between those advocating for reform in the correctional system and those cautious about the implications of such changes.
Same As
Establishes visiting policies for incarcerated people, to provide incarcerated people opportunities for personal contact with relatives, friends, clergy, volunteers and other persons to promote better institutional adjustment and better community adjustment upon release.
Establishes visiting policies for incarcerated people, to provide incarcerated people opportunities for personal contact with relatives, friends, clergy, volunteers and other persons to promote better institutional adjustment and better community adjustment upon release.
Establishes visiting policies for incarcerated people, to provide incarcerated people opportunities for personal contact with relatives, friends, clergy, volunteers and other persons to promote better institutional adjustment and better community adjustment upon release.
Requires mental health services for incarcerated individuals with mental health issues related to the trauma of incarceration upon reentry and reintegration into society upon release.