The bill aims to enhance the oversight and accountability of local correctional facilities in Minnesota by clarifying the responsibilities of the Department of Corrections. It introduces new legal language under section 241.011, which establishes the requirement for local correctional facilities to be licensed and inspected by the commissioner of corrections at least once every two years. The bill also mandates the publication of inspection reports on the department's website and sets forth protocols for reporting critical incidents, emergencies, and deaths within these facilities. Additionally, it proposes the repeal of several subdivisions of Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 241.021, to streamline existing regulations and eliminate outdated provisions, while introducing new provisions for licensing actions, including correction orders and conditional licenses for non-compliant facilities.

Moreover, the bill establishes a state correctional facilities security audit group responsible for conducting biennial security audits and developing security audit standards. This group will include various stakeholders and will report its findings, which will be classified as confidential. The bill also enhances reporting requirements for the commissioner of corrections, mandating comprehensive reports on safety provisions and the status of correctional facilities. It outlines procedures for issuing correction orders and revocation orders for facilities that fail to meet minimum standards, while also establishing protocols for background studies of personnel and reviews of deaths within correctional facilities. Overall, the bill seeks to improve the safety and well-being of individuals confined in these facilities through rigorous standards and oversight.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 241.021