CO SB064

The Department of Corrections is prohibited from placing inmates with serious mental illness in long-term isolated confinement except when exigent circumstances exist.

Establishes a work group within the Department of Corrections to advise on policies and procedures for treatment and care of inmates with serious mental illness in isolated confinement, chaired by the Deputy Executive Director.

Work group composition includes five department officials, two representatives from nonprofit prisoners' rights advocacy groups appointed by legislative leadership, and two independent mental health professionals with prison expertise appointed by legislative leadership.

Work group must first convene by July 1, 2014, meet at least semi-annually thereafter, and receive quarterly policy updates from the Department on the subject matter.

Appropriates $1,565,025 and 24.0 FTE for fiscal year 2014-2015 to fund implementation, including personal services, start-up costs, and operating expenses across multiple departmental subprograms.