The bill proposes to repeal the existing section 217.425 of Missouri law and replace it with a new section that outlines the conditions under which an offender may be granted permission to attend a funeral. The new legislation allows the director of the department of corrections to extend the limits of an offender's confinement for specific purposes, including attending the funeral of a relative, provided that the offender has reasonable cause to believe they will honor the trust placed in them. The bill stipulates that offenders may be granted up to thirty days per year for such visits, with the possibility of extension for those enrolled in community release programs or in need of emergency medical services. Additionally, the new section establishes specific criteria for offenders who do not receive a furlough to attend a funeral. It grants them the right to attend if the relative is an immediate family member, the offender is escorted by department staff, and the offender covers all associated costs, including escort fees. The bill also mandates that a copy of any order permitting such visits be sent to relevant legal authorities at least ten days in advance, except in cases of emergency medical furloughs or funeral attendance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (6295H.01): 217.425