The proposed bill, Substitute Bill No. 7186, establishes a pilot program for the use of body scanning machines in certain correctional facilities, specifically the York Correctional Institution and the John R. Manson Youth Institution. The Commissioner of Correction is mandated to purchase and install at least two body scanning machines by December 31, 2025, and to prioritize their use over traditional strip and cavity searches. The bill also requires the Commissioner to train correctional personnel on the machines and collect data on their usage. Reports detailing the number of scans, searches, and any contraband discovered must be submitted to the General Assembly by February 15, 2027.

Additionally, the bill mandates an evaluation of current strip and cavity search procedures in comparison to other states and federal policies, with a report due by February 15, 2026. The State Bond Commission is authorized to issue bonds not exceeding $500,000 to fund the purchase and installation of the body scanning machines. Furthermore, starting January 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner must report on the conduct of strip and cavity searches, including the number of such searches, any related lawsuits, and the current policies governing these searches. The bill introduces new sections to the law while deleting no existing legal language.