HI SB2777

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 no female correctional employee is available.

Male correctional facility employees are prohibited from entering areas where female inmates may be in a state of undress (restrooms, shower areas, medical treatment areas) for search purposes, except when there is immediate risk of harm, medical emergency, or no female employee can safely resolve the situation.

Male correctional facility employees must announce their presence when entering a housing unit.

Any exceptions to the search and access restrictions must be documented within three days, reviewed by the warden, and retained by the correctional institution for reporting purposes.

The Department of Public Safety must increase recruitment and training of female adult corrections officers to meet staffing needs, comply with the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003, and submit a report to the legislature by twenty days before the 2023 regular session convenes.