Bill > A01676

This bill amends the New York Correction Law to strengthen the commissioner of corrections and community supervision's annual heat mitigation plan for correctional facilities. The bill requires the commissioner to develop a comprehensive plan to protect incarcerated individuals and staff during high heat temperatures, which includes providing access to fans, water, ice, additional showers, and fully stocked commissaries with personal fans. The plan also mandates temperature monitoring in various facility areas, maintaining a list of individuals with heat-sensitive medical conditions, increasing wellness checks, and providing shade in exercise yards when possible. A key provision requires the commissioner to evaluate the financial and operational feasibility of establishing cooling stations and permanent sustainable cooling solutions in each facility. If such solutions are deemed feasible, the commissioner must develop a timeline for implementation. The bill aims to address the health and safety risks associated with extreme heat in correctional settings, ensuring that both incarcerated individuals and staff have options to stay cool and hydrated during high-temperature periods.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1676