Bill > SB276

This bill aims to improve visitation policies for incarcerated individuals in state correctional facilities by establishing new guidelines and requiring a comprehensive review. It defines "long-distance visitor" as someone living at least 150 miles away and "revocation" as a permanent loss of visitation privileges due to serious violations. The Department of Corrections must now make reasonable efforts to provide in-person visits up to the facility's maximum safe seating capacity, offer extended or additional visits for long-distance visitors, and ensure each visit lasts at least two hours unless shortened for specific reasons, with visitors allowed to hold hands. Visitation privileges can only be suspended for conduct posing a direct threat to safety or security, not for confinement status or minor infractions, and any suspension must be documented and limited in duration, with an appeal process available. Furthermore, the Department will collect and publish data on visitation, including denial and termination reasons, average visit length, and survey results, and submit an annual report to legislative committees. The bill also mandates the creation of a work group composed of various stakeholders, including visitors, advocates, and corrections staff, to develop policy and legislative recommendations for enhancing visitation, such as balancing affection with security, implementing family visitation programs, allowing extended meals with families, and increasing access for minor visitors, with a report due by October 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB276