Bill > H2018

This bill proposes several key reforms for the Department of Correction (DOC), focusing on education, nutrition, and healthcare in correctional facilities. First, the bill requires all county and state correctional facilities to partner with public higher education institutions to develop educational programming, allowing prisoners with high school diplomas to earn college course credits. Second, it mandates the development of comprehensive food standards that ensure nutritionally balanced, culturally appropriate meals, with provisions like guaranteeing 20 minutes of seated eating time, prohibiting food-related punishments, and requiring annual surveys of inmates' food satisfaction. The bill also establishes two special commissions: one to review healthcare in correctional facilities and another to study the mental health impacts of the Departmental Disciplinary Unit (DDU). Each commission will include 15 members representing various governmental bodies, legislative committees, advocacy organizations, and formerly incarcerated individuals, and they are required to submit their findings and recommendations by January 1, 2022. These provisions aim to improve the overall conditions, educational opportunities, nutrition, and healthcare for incarcerated individuals while promoting a more holistic and rehabilitative approach to corrections.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2018