Provides for notice of availability of services to prisoners upon their release from state prison

1 Co-sponsor

• Velmanette Montgomery

BILL NUMBER:S1352B

Title of bill

An act to amend the correction law, in relation to services for inmates of state correctional facilities upon their release therefrom

Purpose

Provides for notice of availability of services to prisoners upon their release from state prison and for the making of arrangements thereof.

Summary of provisions

The correction law is amended by adding a new section 75, that will require an exit interview for all inmates, to alert them to special programs in their communities such as medical services, HIV/AIDS services, education, alcohol or substance abuse treatment or mental health services.

Justification

This proposed legislation addresses the critical need for prisoners, one in five of which is HIV infected and nearly that same proportion tests positive for tuberculosis, to be made aware of the health and educational services available to them in the communities they plan to re-enter upon release.

The focus of the New York correctional program has been geared toward rehabilitation. To that end the state has developed a number of programs for inmates and recently released offenders. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of the programs that exist for them upon release. To rectify this situation this bill proposes the establishment of a formal exit interview to inform the inmates of programs that exist in his/her community and where possible assist the inmate in making arrangements to enter these programs. This bill is not intended to impede or delay the release of any individual, its primary function is to assist individuals in obtaining the necessary treatment and to help curb the spread of disease in New York.

Fiscal implications for state and local government

Minimal.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law.