Prohibits charging a fee to obtain a certified copy or certified transcript of birth when the department of corrections and community supervision or a local correctional facility requests such for an individual under community supervision in connection with such individual's ongoing supervision in the community.
Impact
The legislation impacts existing state laws by removing any financial burden associated with obtaining vital records for specific vulnerable populations, particularly those involved in the criminal justice system. By eliminating fees for these individuals, the bill aims to assist in their transition back into society, thereby potentially reducing barriers to employment and social services that rely on such documentation. This aligns with broader public health goals of improving the well-being and stability of formerly incarcerated individuals.
Summary
Bill S09411 amends the public health law to prohibit charging fees for certified copies or transcripts of an individual's birth record when requested by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision or local correctional facilities. This change is particularly aimed at supporting individuals under community supervision or those preparing for release from incarceration. The law ensures that essential documents like birth certificates, which may be necessary for reintegration into society, are provided without cost.
Contention
While proponents of S09411 argue that it addresses inequities faced by people in the criminal justice system, there could be concerns regarding the operational implications for local governments and correctional facilities. The potential for increased administrative responsibilities on these entities without corresponding funding or resources has been a point of contention. Additionally, there may be debates on whether the waiver of fees could lead to unintended consequences in resource allocation for other public services.
Same As
Prohibits charging a fee to obtain a certified copy or certified transcript of birth when the department of corrections and community supervision or a local correctional facility requests such for an individual under community supervision in connection with such individual's ongoing supervision in the community.
Prohibits charging a fee to obtain a certified copy or certified transcript of birth when the department of corrections and community supervision or a local correctional facility requests such for an individual under community supervision in connection with such individual's ongoing supervision in the community.
Requires the department of corrections and community supervision to provide body-worn cameras to certain individuals visiting correctional facilities and provide those individuals with the footage from such cameras.
Requires the department of corrections and community supervision to provide body-worn cameras to certain individuals visiting correctional facilities and provide those individuals with the footage from such cameras.
Requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to make correctional facility water testing results accessible directly, upon request, to incarcerated individuals and correctional facility staff in such facilities and make such water testing results available to the public on the website of the department.
Requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to make correctional facility water testing results accessible directly, upon request, to incarcerated individuals and correctional facility staff in such facilities and make such water testing results available to the public on the website of the department.
Permits the state and local municipalities to purchase from sources other than the correctional industries program of the department of corrections and community supervision.
Relates to the department of correction and community supervision's role with respect to discharge planning to assist incarcerated individuals in obtaining housing before release to community supervision.
Requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to assess and update the security camera, land-mobile radio, and public address systems in use in correctional facilities.
Establishes an employee mental health services program for all employees who work for the department of corrections and community supervision and all employees of the office of mental health who deliver services to incarcerated individuals overseen by the department of corrections and community supervision.
Requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to assess and update the security camera, land-mobile radio, and public address systems in use in correctional facilities.