BILL NUMBER: S4923
SPONSOR: RAMOS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the correction law, in relation to requiring wardens or
superintendents of correctional facilities to accept assistance from
state and federal agencies and municipalities
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. The correction law is amended by adding a new section 27 in
relation to assistance by state and federal agencies and municipalities.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This legislation would authorize and encourage the Superintendent and
Commissioner of the Department of Corrections to accept assistance from
federal and local municipalities in the event of an emergency. An emer-
gency is defined as but is not limited to, loss of power, heat or water,
or a medical state of emergency. "Humanitarian aid" shall mean material
assistance actually and reasonably necessary, including but not limited
to, bottled water, medical supplies and supply kits, battery or solar
powered flashlights, blankets and monetary donations, to alleviate
suffering and provide support to staff, inmates and other individuals on
site at any state institution during an emergency.
During the last week of January 2019, the people that were detained in
the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) spent multiple days without
heat, water, and medical attention in below freezing temperatures.
Although the Mayor of New York City and New York City's Office of Emer-
gency Management offered emergency provisions, the Bureau of Prisons
refused their help.
In the wake of the COVID19 pandemic we must make sure that prisons
accept all humanitarian aid. Although this legislation will have no
direct impact on MDC since it is a federal facility, these inhumane
conditions have no place in New York State.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S1741 (Ramos) Referred to Crime Victims, Crime and Correction /
A3151 (Gibbs) Referred to Correction
2021-22: S1052 (Ramos) Referred to Crime Victims, Crime and Correction
2019-20: S3393A (Ramos) Referred to Crime Victims, Crime and Correction
 
FISCAL IMPACT:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.