New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S05087

Introduced
2/18/25  
Refer
2/18/25  

Caption

Requires the department of corrections and community supervision to create a family reunion program to provide eligible incarcerated individuals and their families the opportunity to meet for an extended period of time in a residential setting.

Summary

Bill S05087 proposes the establishment of a family reunion program within New York's correctional facilities, allowing eligible incarcerated individuals to meet with their families in a private, residential setting. The program aims to facilitate family connections by providing opportunities for visits at least once every four months. Eligibility for participation is contingent upon the incarcerated individual's disciplinary record and compliance with departmental requirements, with provisions for appeals in case of denial.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will amend the correction law to include Section 138-b, which mandates the creation of the family reunion program across maximum-security and select medium-security facilities. This will introduce new regulations regarding family visitation rights, potentially impacting the operations of correctional facilities and the experiences of incarcerated individuals and their families. The program is expected to foster better family relationships and support reintegration efforts.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S05087 appears to be cautiously optimistic, with advocates highlighting the importance of maintaining family ties for incarcerated individuals. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation logistics and the potential for abuse of the program by individuals posing a danger. The lack of voting history and committee discussions suggests that the bill is still in the early stages of consideration.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the eligibility criteria, particularly regarding the definition of a 'good disciplinary record' and the discretion given to correctional officials in determining current danger. Critics may argue that these provisions could lead to arbitrary decisions that affect family reunification opportunities. Additionally, the balance between security concerns and the rights of incarcerated individuals and their families is likely to be a focal point of debate.

Companion Bills

NY A03847

Same As Requires the department of corrections and community supervision to create a family reunion program to provide eligible incarcerated individuals and their families the opportunity to meet for an extended period of time in a residential setting.

Previously Filed As

NY A03847

Requires the department of corrections and community supervision to create a family reunion program to provide eligible incarcerated individuals and their families the opportunity to meet for an extended period of time in a residential setting.

NY S10502

Expands access to higher education in correctional facilities by requiring the department of corrections and community supervision to provide meaningful access to postsecondary educational programming and to establish a transparent process for incarcerated individuals to request transfers to facilities where such programs are available.

NY S07983

Relates to required notification of an incarcerated individual's emergency contacts when such incarcerated individual experiences a serious medical event; provides that incarcerated individuals and their representatives shall have the right to access such incarcerated individual's medical records; provides requirements for access to such medical records; establishes an independent medical oversight body to monitor and evaluate the quality of medical care provided to incarcerated individuals within correctional facilities and to ensure compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements for adequate medical care; provides penalties for certain violations; requires the department of corrections and community supervision to collect data on medical incidents, response times, and correctional facility compliance with certain requirements, and to publish an annual report detailing such data.

NY SB5153

Transferring certain individuals from the department of children, youth, and families to the department of corrections at age 18.

NY S02938

Requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to permanently terminate the conjugal visit program, commonly known as the family reunion program; directs such commissioner to prohibit the establishment of any program designed to provide selected inmates and their families the opportunity to privately meet for an extended period of time.

NY S03611

Requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to permanently terminate the conjugal visit program, commonly known as the family reunion program; directs such commissioner to prohibit the establishment of any program designed to provide selected inmates and their families the opportunity to privately meet for an extended period of time.

NY A07576

Relates to required notification of an incarcerated individual's emergency contacts when such incarcerated individual experiences a serious medical event; provides that incarcerated individuals and their representatives shall have the right to access such incarcerated individual's medical records; provides requirements for access to such medical records; requires the department of corrections and community supervision to collect data on medical incidents and response times, and to publish an annual report detailing such data.

NY A06666

Requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to make correctional facility water testing results accessible directly, upon request, to incarcerated individuals and correctional facility staff in such facilities and make such water testing results available to the public on the website of the department.

NY S06390

Requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to make correctional facility water testing results accessible directly, upon request, to incarcerated individuals and correctional facility staff in such facilities and make such water testing results available to the public on the website of the department.

NY S04583

Relates to the health, safety and human rights of incarcerated pregnant individuals, incarcerated birthing parents and their children; requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to establish rules and regulations relating to conditions in institutions and correctional facilities and the treatment and care of birthing parents in such institutions and facilities.

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