Creates the temporary state commission to recommend the closure of state correctional facilities

BILL NUMBER:A10413

Title of bill

An act to establish a temporary state commission to recommend the closure of state correctional facilities; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose or general idea of bill

To create a temporary state commission to recommend the closure of state correctional facilities.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1. Establishes a temporary state commission to examine, evaluate, and make recommendations on the closure of state correctional facilities. Such commission shall assess the local economic impact from the closure of such facilities and shall research alternative economic development projects to make local commu- nities less dependent on state correctional facilities.

Section 2. The commission shall consist of 9 members to be appointed as follows: 3 members by the governor and shall include the commissioner of the department of correctional services and a representative of the empire state development corporation; 3 members will be appointed by the temporary president of the senate and 3 shall be appointed by the speak- er of the assembly. No member will be disqualified from holding any other public office or employment.

Section 3. The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be allowed their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

Section 4. The commission may employ personnel within the amounts made available by appropriation.

Section 8. The commissioner shall make a report of its findings no later than the thirty-first of December in the year next succeeding the year in which this act shall have become a law.

Justification

In recent years, New York's prison population has declined. Following a historical peak of 71,538 inmates in 1999, the prison population, due to early release programs and falling crime rates, dropped to 58,378 at the end of 2009. The decline in our prison population, combined with the fiscal situation in New York, requires an evaluation of our correctional facilities and how to effectively utilize our resources. This legislation would create a temporary state commis- sion to examine and evaluate the State's facilities. The commission will also be responsible for producing a report that will contain recommenda- tions on which facilities, if any, should close; the local economic impact from the closure of facilities; and alternative economic develop- ment projects to make local communities less dependent on state correc- tional facilities.

Prior legislative history

New Bill

Fiscal implications

Undetermined

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately and shall contin- ue in full force and effect until the thirty-first of December in the year next succeeding the year in which it shall have become a law when upon such date the provisions of this act shall be deemed repealed.