BILL NUMBER: S7937

SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the correction law, in relation to requiring the commis-
sioner of corrections and community supervision to make facility water
testing results accessible to the public, incarcerated individuals and
correctional facility staff

 
PURPOSE:

Requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to
make facility water testing results accessible to the public, incarcer-
ated individuals and correctional facility staff

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends section 112 of the correction law by adding a new
subdivision 6 to require the commissioner to make correctional facility
water testing results accessible directly to incarcerated individuals
and correctional facility staff and publish such results on the website
              

of the department.

Section 2 states the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Clean water is not only essential for personal health but also for
protecting ecosystems and natural resources. Often situated in vulner-
able ecological areas, correctional facilities have the potential to
impact local water sources and surrounding environments.  By ensuring
that water quality information is readily available, the bill encourages
correctional facilities to prioritize sustainable water management prac-
tices that reduce pollution, protect aquatic habitats, and preserve
ecosystems.

Through transparency and accountability, this bill not only advances
environmental protection but also strengthens the relationship between
correctional facilities and the communities in which they operate. By
safeguarding the water quality within correctional facilities, we not
only protect the health of incarcerated individuals but promote the
responsible use of water resources, contributing to long-term ecological
resilience.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

This is a new bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None to the State.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law.