Provides that no state or local correctional facility shall deny entry to a person visiting such facility due to the fact that such person is menstruating or has a contraceptive device or appears on body scan imaging or alternative methods to have or be using a menstrual product or contraceptive device.
Impact
By implementing this bill, New York seeks to create a more inclusive environment for all visitors, recognizing the importance of access to correctional facilities regardless of menstruation or reproductive health status. This change aims to eliminate potential discrimination against visitors, ensuring that their biological needs do not prevent them from engaging with their incarcerated family or friends. It reflects a growing awareness of the rights and dignity of individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
Summary
Bill S08353 proposes a significant modification to New York's correction law, focusing on the rights of visitors to correctional facilities. The bill specifically mandates that no state or local correctional facility may deny entry or contact visits to individuals visiting incarcerated persons solely based on the fact that they are menstruating or have a contraceptive device. This encompasses various menstrual products including pads, tampons, and cups, as well as contraceptive methods such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), contraceptive implants, and vaginal rings.
Contention
While there may not be extensive public discourse captured within the bill's text regarding opposition, the introduction of S08353 is likely to face scrutiny on the grounds of security concerns. Some legislators and stakeholders may argue that the inclusion of contraception and menstrual products in search protocols could complicate existing security measures and protocols within correctional facilities. However, proponents argue that safeguarding visitor rights should take precedence over these concerns.
Same As
Provides that no state or local correctional facility shall deny entry to a person visiting such facility due to the fact that such person is menstruating or has a contraceptive device or appears on body scan imaging or alternative methods to have or be using a menstrual product or contraceptive device.
Provides that no state or local correctional facility shall deny entry to a person visiting such facility due to the fact that such person is menstruating or has a contraceptive device or appears on body scan imaging or alternative methods to have or be using a menstrual product or contraceptive device.
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.
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.
Provides access to menstrual products in toilet facilities in public buildings owned or leased by the state that are determined to be opened to the public; requires reporting.
Provides access to menstrual products in toilet facilities in public buildings owned by the state that are determined to be opened to the public; requires reporting.
An Act to Require Health Insurance Coverage for Federally Approved Nonprescription Oral Hormonal Contraceptives and Nonprescription Emergency Contraceptives