BILL NUMBER: S5680
SPONSOR: SALAZAR
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the correction law, in relation to providing notice of
the death of an incarcerated individual occurring in the custody of the
department of corrections and community supervision
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill amends the correction law to require the Department of
Corrections and Community Supervision to promptly notify next of kin or
other designated representative of any incarcerated individual whose
death takes place in custody and, within 24 hours of such notification,
to publish public notice of such death on the department's public
website.
 
SUMMARY OR PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends correction law section 624 to require the prompt
notification of next of kin or other designated representative of any
incarcerated person whose death takes place in custody and, within 24
hours of such notification to publish notice of such death on the
department's public website.
Section 2 provides for the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This bill promotes transparency and accountability within the correction
system, allowing for public oversight. Research has consistently shown
that transparency is vital in maintaining trust and preventing abuses of
power within institutions. A 2019 survey conducted by the National
Institute of Justice found that increased transparency in correctional
facilities is associated with lower rates of violence and misconduct.
Transparent reporting enables prompt investigations into the causes and
circumstances surrounding deaths, facilitating the identification and
resolution of systemic issues that may jeopardize prisoner welfare.
Research by the Vera Institute of Justice has shown that transparent and
accountable correctional systems tend to exhibit lower rates of
violence, better healthcare outcomes, and increased rehabilitation
opportunities.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
SENATE:
2023-2024 - S 7607B (Salazar) - referred to Rules, referred to Crime
Victims, Crime & Correction, reported, amended on third reading.
ASSEMBLY:
2023-2024 - A 7854B (Epstein) - Referred to Correction, amended.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S5680: 624 correction law