NY A08698

Requires the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to create a family reunion program allowing eligible inmates and families to meet for extended periods in residential settings at all maximum-security facilities and medium-security facilities with over 800 beds.

Eligible inmates must maintain a good disciplinary record (no more than 15 days in segregated confinement or keep lock within the last six months), comply with program requirements, and not pose current danger to self or others.

Eligible family members include spouses, children, parents, grandparents, siblings, grandchildren, and with superintendent approval, aunts, uncles, cousins, foster parents and in-laws; out-of-state, disabled, elderly, or minor visitors may participate without establishing a visitation pattern.

Program facilities must accommodate at least one family reunion visit every four months for eligible inmates, with visitor numbers limited by fire and safety occupancy capacity and reasonable accommodations provided for disabled visitors and inmates.

Takes effect one year after enactment.