NY A07589

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

Inmates must maintain a good disciplinary record (no more than 15 days in segregated confinement or keep lock within 6 months), comply with program requirements, and not pose current danger to be eligible; denied applicants may appeal to the commissioner.

Eligible family members include legal spouses, children, parents, grandparents, siblings, grandchildren, and with superintendent approval, aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws; out-of-state, disabled, elderly, or minor visitors do not need to establish a visitation pattern.

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

Act takes effect one year after becoming law; inmates with HIV or hepatitis B or C may participate with informed visitor consent, and inmate eligibility transfers when they are moved to new facilities after a 30-day arrival period.