Requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to permanently terminate the conjugal visit program, commonly known as the family reunion program

1 Co-sponsor

• Patty Ritchie

BILL NUMBER:S4301

Title of bill

An act to amend the correction law, in relation to the commissioner of the department of corrections and community supervision's power to permanently terminate the conjugal visit program, referred to as the family reunion program

Purpose

This legislation would eliminate conjugal visits in New York State correctional facilities by removing the power of the Commissioner of Corrections to regulate the Family Reunion Program.

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:; § 1 amends section 146 of the correction law.

Justification

In the 2010 New York State budget, then Governor Paterson proposed $800,000 for conjugal visit trailers at Five points Correctional Facility. The State of New York cannot reward its most hardened criminals -criminals who have committed violent and serious crimes - with conjugal visits.

During these difficult economic times, we must critically examine every taxpayer dollar that New York State spends in order to find areas for potential savings. The Family Reunion Program is a costly and unnecessary prisoner luxury that New York can no longer afford in this difficult budget year. There is surely a greater need for this funding elsewhere to maintain critical services for our families and seniors or to provide much needed property tax relief for homeowners.

Legislative history

S. 5413 of 2013/2014

Fiscal implications

None

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.