BILL NUMBER: S7781A
SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the correction law, in relation to establishing an annu-
al heat mitigation plan; and directing the extreme heat action plan work
group of the department of environmental conservation to analyze the
impact of extreme heat on incarcerated individuals and people working in
prisons
 
PURPOSE:
Establishes an annual heat mitigation plan; and directing the extreme
heat action plan work group to analyze the impact of extreme heat on
incarcerated individuals and people working in prisons
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends section 112 of the correction law by adding a new
subdivision 6 to require the commissioner to promulgate rules and regu-
lations to establish and maintain an annual heat mitigation plan to
ensure the safety and wellbeing of incarcerated individuals and correc-
tional staff. Such plan shall include but not be limited to, access to
industrial fans, water, ice, and additional access to showers. Such a
plan shall also maintain a list of vulnerable individuals and facility
staff, monitor temperatures, increase wellness checks, and provide
adequate shade on exercise yards.
The commissioner, as part of the heat mitigation plan, shall develop a
timeline to establish cooling stations and provide evaporative fans to
each facility.
Section 2 allows the extreme heat action plan work group of the depart-
ment of environmental conservation shall analyze the impact of extreme
heat on incarcerated individuals and facility staff and articulate their
specific needs in such a work group's long term heat adaptation plan.
Section 3 states the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The correctional system's responsibility extends beyond public safety to
prioritize the well-being of both incarcerated individuals and staff.
Escalating temperatures due to climate change present unprecedented
challenges for correctional facilities. It is imperative that a Heat
Mitigation Plan is established, ensuring that our corrections system is
safeguarding the health of those confined and their caretakers.
Establishing a Heat Mitigation Plan for correctional facilities is a
necessary step to fulfill legal, and ethical responsibilities. By insti-
tuting a plan we uphold human rights, maintain a just correctional
system, and foster an environment supporting rehabilitation and public
safety.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the State.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law.

Statutes affected:
S7781: 112 correction law
S7781A: 112 correction law