Bill > S905

This bill amends existing legislation to collect more comprehensive data on LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex) prisoners held in restrictive housing. The key provisions include: 1. Requiring the data to be reported bi-annually instead of annually and to be delineated by diagnosis. 2. Expanding the data collection to include the voluntary self-identified sexual orientation and gender identity of prisoners in restrictive housing, as well as whether they were pregnant during their time in restrictive housing. 3. Mandating the collection of data on the number of prisoners held in restrictive housing due to alleged or investigated Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) violations, and the number of PREA victims held in restrictive housing. 4. Directing the development of policies and procedures for prisoners to voluntarily disclose their sexual orientation and/or gender identity during intake and placement in restrictive housing, with the data to be collected by a special commission on the health and safety of LGBTQI prisoners. 5. Expanding the membership and scope of the special commission to include more representatives from organizations advocating for LGBTQI individuals in the criminal justice system.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S905