HI SCR112

Requests the Judiciary and Department of Public Safety to collaborate on reducing the necessity and number of prisoner trips to courthouses for hearings.

Cites two 2012-2013 escape incidents from the State Circuit Court building, including an inmate who escaped during a probation revocation hearing on October 31, 2012, and a pretrial detainee charged with second-degree murder who escaped on February 20, 2013, remaining at large for over 11 hours.

Notes that courtrooms are less secure than correctional facilities and that transporting inmates requires significant manpower and resources.

Recognizes that existing technology enables incarcerated persons to participate in court hearings remotely from correctional facilities while protecting their legal rights and minimizing escape risks.

Requires the Judiciary and Department of Public Safety to submit a joint report on collaboration results to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2014 Regular Session convenes.