HB 4141

Abstract

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Director of Corrections shall appoint a Family Liaison Officer to review any denial of or restrictions on visitation to a committed person by a person who, immediately before incarceration of the committed person, was a family or household member of the committed person if the committed person has filed with the chief administrative officer of the facility a list of those persons whom the committed person wishes to visit him or her at the facility. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall adopt rules regarding in-person or video conferencing with committed persons. Provides that a staff member of a facility may not deny an in-person or video conferencing visit for any reason other than as provided for by rule. Provides that visitation rules shall be published on the Department's website. Provides that any potential visitor who is denied a visit shall be given a standard form, in writing, that includes the specific rule that is the basis for the denial and the Family Liaison Officer information if the potential visitor wishes to appeal the denial of the visitation. Provides that the Department's Family Liaison Officer shall review within 15 days after receipt each visitation denial and determine whether the denial was appropriate under the specific rule. Provides that the written review and its outcome shall be published on the Department's website. Effective immediately.