Bill > S05037

This bill establishes new visiting policies for incarcerated individuals in state and local correctional facilities, aiming to promote personal growth and better adjustment both within the institution and upon release into the community. The key provisions require these facilities to offer in-person contact opportunities with relatives, children, friends, clergy, volunteers, and others, including visiting hours that accommodate people traveling from within the state, such as evening and weekend options, and visits of at least one hour at local facilities to help maintain relationships. The bill also mandates a published overcrowding policy that fairly considers factors like travel distance, visit frequency, and past disruptions due to overcrowding. While video conferencing is allowed to supplement in-person visits, it will not count towards the required number or duration of visits. The bill also clarifies that no incarcerated person will be visited against their will, and these new policies will take effect 120 days after becoming law.