No. HB 55
Filed under Criminal Justice.
Treatment of Inmates; Specifies rights of inmates in state correctional system; requires written copy of rights to be provided to each inmate; authorizes relief for deprivation of rights; revises definition of "permanently incapacitated inmate" for purposes of conditional medical release.
Plain English Summary
AI-GENERATEDThe bill creates a new statute guaranteeing every inmate in the state correctional system specific basic rights. These include proper ventilation, sufficient time to eat, and access to necessary health supplies.
Institutions must provide air conditioning or air cooling in all housing units. Existing units that cannot be fitted with these systems must instead receive exhaust and air circulators to ensure a safe environment.
Inmates are guaranteed a minimum of 20 minutes to eat each meal. This time must be extended if an inmate has an approved medical reason that requires more time to complete the meal.
The bill requires the department to provide a written copy of these rights to each inmate upon entry. It also allows inmates to file a grievance if they believe any of these rights are denied.
AIRequires all housing units to have air conditioning or air cooling systems, or exhaust and air circulators if retrofits are impossible.
AIMandates a 20-minute minimum eating time for every inmate, with extensions for approved medical reasons.
AIRequires each correctional institution to establish a program with nearby community food banks to ensure food supply during emergencies.
AIRequires the department to provide personal protective equipment to staff and inmates during health crises, and specific health products to inmates upon request.
AIRequires the department to provide a written copy of the new inmate rights to each inmate upon entry into the system.
AIAllows inmates to file a grievance with the department if they believe a right guaranteed in the new section is denied.
AIBroadens the definition of a permanently incapacitated inmate to include those with a physical disability, impairment, or handicap, provided they are not a danger to themselves or others.