NY A10194

Grants the Correctional Association of New York unannounced access to visit, inspect, and examine all state correctional facilities at its pleasure, with up to 12 people per visiting party.

Provides the Correctional Association unfettered access to all paper, electronic, and digital records including documents, emails, videos, audio recordings, policies, and individual incarcerated records, except documents created solely for employee supervisory or disciplinary purposes.

Authorizes the Correctional Association to interview correctional employees, incarcerated individuals, and service providers with consent, privately and confidentially, without department attendance or interference, and prohibits retaliation against anyone who speaks with the association.

Permits the Correctional Association to send surveys to incarcerated people without prior department approval, receive phone calls from incarcerated individuals, and conduct private meetings in housing units or attorney visiting rooms without department notice.

Requires the Correctional Association to conduct facility inspections at least every five years and issue reports to the governor, legislature, and public; allows the association to seek court orders for compliance if the department fails to meet these requirements.