HI HB2435

Male correctional facility employees are prohibited from conducting pat down searches of female inmates unless the inmate presents a risk of immediate harm to self or others or risk of escape and a female employee is unavailable.

Male correctional facility employees cannot enter areas where female inmates may be undressed (restrooms, shower areas, medical treatment areas) for the purpose of conducting searches, except in cases of immediate harm risk, medical emergency, or if no female employee can safely resolve the situation.

Male correctional facility employees must announce their presence when entering female housing units.

Any pat down search or entry into prohibited areas by male employees must be documented within three days, reviewed by the warden, and retained by the institution for reporting purposes.

The Act takes effect on July 1, 3000, and authorizes the Department of Public Safety to adopt rules for implementation.