Bill > A03847

This bill requires the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to establish a Family Reunion Program that allows eligible incarcerated individuals to spend extended private time with family members in a residential setting. The program will be available at maximum-security facilities and medium-security facilities with over 800 beds, with enough housing units to accommodate visits at least quarterly. Inmates must maintain a good disciplinary record, meaning no more than 15 days in segregated confinement or keep lock in the past six months, to be eligible. The program allows various family members to participate, including spouses, children, parents, grandparents, siblings, and grandchildren, with some provisions for extended family with superintendent approval. Visitors must typically demonstrate a pattern of visitation, though exceptions exist for those living far away, with disabilities, or who are elderly or minors. The bill includes safeguards such as case-by-case evaluations for potentially dangerous inmates, due process for visitors who might lose eligibility, and provisions for inmates with certain medical conditions like HIV. Inmates who are approved for the program will remain eligible unless they demonstrate bad conduct or are deemed a current danger to themselves or others. The program is designed to support family connections and potentially aid in rehabilitation by maintaining familial relationships during incarceration.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3847