Existing law authorizes the warden or manager of a correctional institution or facility to allow visits and correspondence between offenders and appropriate friends, relatives and others. (NRS 209.423) Section 2 of this bill requires the Director of the Department of Corrections, with the approval of the Board of State Prison Commissioners, to adopt regulations establishing and governing a program for the visitation of offenders. Section 2 requires such regulations to prescribe requirements relating to the visitation of offenders, which must: (1) allow offenders to receive visitors in person, regardless of whether visitation by means of electronic communication is made available; (2) allow visitation by means of electronic communication, provided that such visitation is in addition to and not in lieu of in-person visitation; (3) prescribe a procedure for a prospective visitor or visitor to appeal a decision of a warden or manager to deny or suspend visiting privileges; and (4) prescribe requirements relating to cancelled visits. Section 4 of this bill provides that an offender has the right to receive visitors in person in accordance with the regulations adopted pursuant to section 2. Section 4 also requires a warden or manager to provide notice of any cancelled visit in accordance with the regulations adopted pursuant to section 2. Section 2.5 of this bill establishes the Office of the Ombudsperson for Offenders within the Department to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of offenders and prepare offenders for successful reentry into communities upon release. Section 2.5 requires the Office to be impartial and operationally independent of the Department. Section 2.5 also: (1) requires the Board to appoint the Ombudsperson; and (2) authorizes the Board to enter into a contract with a person to serve as Ombudsperson. Finally, section 2.5 sets forth the powers and duties of the Ombudsperson. Section 5.3 of this bill makes an appropriation to the Department for the cost of contract services for the Office of the Ombudsperson for Offenders.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 209.423, 233B.039
Reprint 1: 209.423
Reprint 2: 209.423
As Enrolled: 209.423
BDR: 209.423, 233B.039