NY A06485

Create a family reunion program at all maximum-security state correctional facilities and medium-security facilities with over 800 beds, allowing incarcerated individuals and eligible family members to meet in private residential settings for extended periods.

Incarcerated individuals are eligible to participate if they maintain a good disciplinary record (no more than 15 days in segregated confinement or keep lock in the last six months), comply with program requirements, and do not pose current danger to themselves or others.

Eligible family members include legal spouses, children, parents, grandparents, siblings, grandchildren, and with special approval, aunts, uncles, cousins, foster parents, and in-laws; visitors must have established a pattern of three visits in the last 12 months unless they are out-of-state, disabled, elderly, minor, or live over 300 miles away.

Program must accommodate family reunion visits at least once every four months for eligible incarcerated individuals, with housing units sized according to fire and safety capacity limits.

Incarcerated individuals denied participation may appeal to the commissioner; visitors who violate program rules may lose eligibility but can reapply after a reasonable waiting period unless convicted of a crime related to program participation; the act takes effect one year after enactment.