Criminal Justice (Corrections)

This bill requires correctional facilities to provide incarcerated individuals with additional privileges when visitation is suspended for at least seven consecutive days due to emergencies or other reasons. Specifically, it mandates that each incarcerated person receive seven free stamps weekly, two free secure electronic messages via tablet, and two free phone calls weekly during such suspensions. The commissioner of corrections may create rules to implement these requirements, and the law takes effect 180 days after enactment. The bill directly affects all incarcerated individuals in state correctional facilities during extended visitation suspensions.

Requires the department of corrections and community supervision to create a family reunion program to provide eligible incarcerated individuals and their families the opportunity to meet for an extended period of time in a residential setting.

Relates to voting rights and access for incarcerated individuals; authorizes polling places to be available at correctional facilities and local facilities; requires such facilities to provide persons detained or confined in such facilities access to register to vote or apply for an absentee ballot; requires voting information to be included in the inmate handbook.