CT SB01110

Inmates, their legal representatives, or estate representatives may request documents from the Department of Correction related to fatal injuries or permanent disabilities suffered while incarcerated, with documents to be provided within 60 days of written request.

The Department of Correction may withhold documents if disclosure poses a risk to safety and security, violates a common law privilege, or is prohibited by state or federal law.

The Department of Correction must notify an inmate's designated next of kin if the inmate dies or becomes incapacitated due to an injury while incarcerated, unless the inmate previously expressed a preference against such notification.

The Department of Correction must adopt regulations establishing a dispute resolution process, fee structure for document requests, and circumstances for extending the 60-day production deadline beyond that timeframe.

The Department of Correction must post information on its website and in medical units about medical record release forms, and develop and distribute a "frequently asked questions" document detailing inmate fatality and permanent injury investigation procedures, relevant forms, and contact information.