HI HCR135

Request the Department of Public Safety to develop and implement a medical release program for geriatric and chronically ill inmates.

Require the Department to post information on its website regarding medical release criteria, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and average processing times.

Require annual reports to the Legislature by January 31 each year detailing the medical release program, including age and gender of deceased inmates, facilities where they were held, and available medical information.

Base the request on findings that geriatric inmates cost states $70,000 per year (two to three times more than younger inmates) and that at least 37 states have implemented similar early release programs excluding violent and sexual offenders.