FL H0531

Creates new Section 944.092 establishing basic prisoner rights including treatment with decency, respect, and fairness; proper ventilation in housing units; minimum 20 minutes to eat meals; access to educational programs; and adequate canteen privileges

Requires disciplinary confinement to be used as a last resort, with staff required to exercise alternative resolutions when possible and in the prisoner's best interests

Mandates warden approval before any inmate can be placed in disciplinary confinement

Establishes presumption of permanent incapacitation for conditional medical release consideration for inmates who: have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; are 85+ years old and have served one-third of sentence; have a physical disability preventing labor and have served more than half their sentence; or are medically determined unfit for labor and pose no danger to society

Requires Department of Corrections to study cost-effective solutions for ensuring inmates have employment opportunities upon release, with report due to Governor and Legislature by June 30, 2021