HB 6542 Summary

• Establishes a workgroup within the Department of Corrections to review the use of segregation, Level IV, and Level V confinement and advise on policies to reduce their use.

• Workgroup composition includes department officials, legislative corrections ombudsman, four prisoner advocacy representatives appointed by governor, two independent mental health experts, one recipient rights specialist, and one state protection and advocacy agency representative.

• Requires workgroup to meet bimonthly to review department reports, alternative mental health programs, therapeutic and educational programs for segregated prisoners, and tour at least 2 correctional facilities annually.

• Mandates workgroup submit written reports by June 15 and December 15 each year to legislative committees, governor, civil rights commission, and other officials with data on in-cell/out-of-cell time, programming effectiveness, critical incidents, and policy recommendations.

• Prohibits department from interfering with or penalizing prisoners for speaking to the workgroup; bill takes effect only if HB 6541 is enacted.