Bill
Bill > SB276
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
03/06/2026
03/06/2026
Crossed Over
03/14/2026
03/14/2026
Passed
04/13/2026
04/13/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/13/2026
04/13/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
State correctional facilities; visitation policies; work group. Sets additional visitation standards for visitors to state correctional facilities. The bill requires the Department of Corrections (the Department) to provide extended or additional visitation access for long-distance visitors. The bill provides that each in-person visit shall last a minimum of two hours unless shortened at the request of either the visitor or the incarcerated individual, or in response to an active security event. The bill also provides that visitation privileges may be suspended only for conduct occurring during visitation that presents a direct and substantial threat to the physical safety of participants or the security of the correctional facility. The bill provides a timeline and process for appealing any suspension of visitation rights. Finally, the bill directs the Department to convene a work group to consider and develop practical policy and legislative recommendations regarding visitation. The work group is required to report its findings and specific legislative and policy recommendations to the General Assembly by October 1, 2026. This bill is identical to HB 173.
AI Summary
This bill aims to improve visitation policies for state correctional facilities by establishing new standards and creating a work group to further study the issue. Key provisions include requiring the Department of Corrections to offer extended or additional visitation for "long-distance visitors," defined as those living at least 150 miles away, and ensuring each in-person visit lasts a minimum of two hours unless shortened by mutual agreement or a security issue. Visitation privileges can only be suspended for conduct during a visit that poses a direct and substantial threat to safety or security, not for administrative reasons or confinement status alone, and there's a clear process for appealing suspensions, which are limited in duration. The bill also mandates the Department to convene a diverse work group, including visitors, advocates, and corrections staff, to develop recommendations on balancing affection with security, enhancing family visitation programs, allowing special meals during visits, increasing access for minor visitors, and restoring visitation levels to those seen in 2019, with a report due by October 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0572) (on 04/13/2026)
Official Document
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