Authorizes the use of body imaging scanning equipment in local correctional facilities for the screening of visitors in addition to incarcerated individuals.
Impact
If passed, this bill would significantly modify existing legislation concerning health and safety protocols in local correctional facilities. By allowing for the screening of visitors in addition to inmates, S07728 seeks to prevent contraband from entering facilities, thereby enhancing overall facility safety. The incorporation of ionizing radiation in the scanning process raises concerns about health implications for both staff and visitors involved in regular screenings, which could prompt further discussions about health standards in this scenario.
Summary
Bill S07728 aims to amend the public health law in New York to authorize licensed practitioners, as well as unlicensed personnel employed at local correctional facilities, to utilize body imaging scanning equipment that applies ionizing radiation. This equipment is intended for screening both incarcerated individuals and visitors in relation to the implementation of the facilities' security programs. The bill emphasizes the need for enhanced security measures within correctional facilities by broadening the scope of who can be screened to include visitors, thus addressing potential security threats more effectively.
Contention
The bill may face contention regarding the use of ionizing radiation due to health risks associated with exposure. Critics might point to the potential impacts on vulnerable populations such as children and elderly visitors. Additionally, there will likely be debates surrounding privacy issues and the efficacy of such security measures, weighing them against potential infringements on personal freedoms. Advocates for enhanced security will support these measures, arguing that they are necessary in the context of increased concerns about safety in correctional environments.
Authorizes the use of body imaging scanning equipment in local correctional facilities for the screening of visitors and staff in addition to incarcerated individuals.
Increases the penalties for promoting prison contraband in the first and second degrees; requires that each state correctional facility use body imaging scanning for all incarcerated individuals and visitors entering such facility; requires state correctional facilities to use trained canines to screen for contraband at the entrance of each facility.
Authorizes the use of body imaging scanning equipment in certain facilities for youth and adolescent offenders placed with or committed to the office of children and family services.
Authorizes the use of body imaging scanning equipment in certain facilities for youth and adolescent offenders placed with or committed to the office of children and family services.
Establishes procedures to be followed when the body scan of an incarcerated individual, employee or visitor to a correctional facility displays alleged abnormalities; requires staff discipline for staff who have wrongfully denied visitation to a visitor or entry to an employee based on a body scan; requires the collection and reporting of certain information relating to visitation and entry denials based on body scans; requires such law to be posted in visitor processing areas of correctional facilities.
Establishes procedures to be followed when the body scan of an incarcerated individual, employee or visitor to a correctional facility displays alleged abnormalities; requires staff discipline for staff who have wrongfully denied visitation to a visitor or entry to an employee based on a body scan; requires the collection and reporting of certain information relating to visitation and entry denials based on body scans; requires such law to be posted in visitor processing areas of correctional facilities.
Establishes a digital legal mail program for the delivery of privileged correspondences to incarcerated individuals housed at correctional facilities; requires law offices sending legal mail via digital platforms to incarcerated individuals to register with the department of corrections.