NY A03847

Requires the Department of Corrections to establish a family reunion program allowing eligible incarcerated individuals to meet with family members for extended periods in private residential settings at maximum-security facilities and medium-security facilities with over 800 beds

Eligible participants must maintain a good disciplinary record (no more than 15 days in segregated confinement or keep lock within the past six months) and comply with departmental program requirements

Family members eligible for visits include legal spouses, children, stepchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, and grandchildren, with extended family (cousins, foster parents, in-laws) requiring superintendent approval

Visitors must establish a pattern of visitation (3 visits in 12 months), with exceptions for those who are out-of-state, disabled, elderly, minors, or live more than 300 miles from the facility

Program facilities must have enough housing units to accommodate visits at least once every four months for eligible incarcerated individuals, and the act takes effect one year after becoming law