Provides that for the purposes of educational leave, an eligible incarcerated individual shall include an incarcerated individual who is within two years of being an eligible incarcerated individual.
This bill requires the state correctional department to seek legislative approval before closing any prison or correctional facility. Specifically, the department must submit a detailed justification report to the legislature at least 365 days in advance of any proposed closure. If the legislature determines the closure is unjustified, it can block the closure until both chambers approve it with a majority vote. The law directly affects the department's operational decisions and gives the legislature a formal role in approving facility closures.
This bill establishes a "gate money program" providing eligible formerly incarcerated individuals with a monthly stipend upon release from state correctional facilities. Eligible individuals must have served at least six months and not previously received funds from the program, receiving $425 per month for up to six months (max $2,550 total), adjusted annually for inflation. Payments are made immediately upon release (in cash/check) and monthly thereafter, in addition to other funds, and do not affect eligibility for public assistance benefits. The program is funded by a $25 million appropriation from the state general fund, administered by the Department of Corrections.
This bill (S 4398) requires New York's Department of Corrections to submit an annual report by March 31st starting in 2026. The report must detail every death of an incarcerated person in state facilities, including cause of death, demographics (age, race, gender), facility details, and circumstances like disciplinary confinement or specialized care. For deaths resulting from suicide or specific categories, a preliminary report must be provided within seven days, followed by a final report after the investigation concludes. The data must include trend analysis compared to historical statistics to improve transparency around prison mortality. The bill directly affects the state correction department and its reporting obligations to legislative leaders and committees.
Adds additional information to reporting requirements for temporary release programs including the number of incarcerated individuals denied participation in each temporary release program and the reasons for denial.
This bill, the "racial and ethnic equity act" (A 6352), requires New York State to create racial and ethnic impact statements for certain bills that may affect correctional, public assistance, or child welfare systems. Before such bills can be considered by a committee, designated state agencies (like the Division of Criminal Justice Services for criminal justice bills) must prepare statements analyzing how a bill could change the racial and ethnic makeup of these populations using data and statistics. The statements must show whether a bill would disproportionately impact minority groups and cover at least three years of projected effects. This applies to bills that could increase incarceration, change penalties, alter public assistance access, or affect child welfare systems.
This bill requires correction officers supervising general population in maximum-security facilities to wear body-worn cameras recording both audio and video during all interactions with incarcerated individuals. It mandates that all cameras be installed within six months of the law's effective date, with recordings retained for at least six months and subject to privacy protections. The law also requires the department to issue an annual report evaluating the cameras' impact on safety metrics like assaults, injuries, and deaths. The policy directly affects correction officers, incarcerated individuals, and department staff in designated facilities.
Relates to women's health in correctional facilities; establishes a women's health education program; requires HIV and STD testing to be offered to incarcerated individuals; provides pregnant incarcerated individuals with access to prenatal vitamins as well as a specialized diet tailored to pregnancy needs; requires a study and report on women's health in prison.
This bill requires correctional facilities to ensure incarcerated individuals whose first language isn't English can understand, participate in, and complete substance abuse programs. It mandates specific actions like hiring more bilingual counselors, translating program materials, and creating targeted programs for non-English speakers. The commissioner must consult with the Office of Addiction Services and Supports to implement these changes. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.
Establishes a contraband screening plan which includes a canine at the entrance of each correctional facility to detect the presence of illegal drugs.
