RELATING TO CORRECTIONS.

2024 Regular Session Introduced by Henry Aquino and 5 co-sponsors

SB 2094 establishes a pilot program allowing women inmates to care for foster animals, enhancing their rehabilitation and mental well-being while promoting responsible pet ownership.

Reported from CMV/JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1196-24) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN.

#appropriation #dcr #expenditureceiling($) #fosteranimals #pets #pilotprogram #report #womeninmates

Overview

Bill Number: SB 2094
Introduced: January 16, 2024
Status: Reported from CMV/JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1196-24) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN.
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Appropriation, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR), Expenditure Ceiling, Foster Animals, Pets, Pilot Program, Report, Women Inmates

Purpose and Intent

SB 2094 aims to address the needs of women inmates within the correctional system by establishing a pilot program that focuses on the integration of foster animals and pets into the rehabilitation process. The bill seeks to enhance the emotional well-being of female inmates and promote responsible pet ownership, while also potentially reducing recidivism rates.

Key Provisions

Pilot Program: The bill proposes the creation of a pilot program that allows women inmates to care for foster animals. This initiative is designed to provide therapeutic benefits and improve the overall mental health of participants.

Funding and Appropriations: The bill includes provisions for appropriating funds necessary for the implementation of the pilot program. Specific dollar amounts for the expenditure ceiling will be determined during the budgetary process.

Reporting Requirements: The DCR will be required to submit a report detailing the outcomes and effectiveness of the pilot program, including metrics on inmate well-being and recidivism rates.

Impact

Women Inmates: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are women inmates who will have the opportunity to engage with foster animals, which may aid in their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Department of Corrections: The DCR will be tasked with overseeing the implementation of the pilot program and ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.

Community and Animal Welfare: The program may also foster community engagement by promoting animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, as well as potentially increasing the number of animals placed in foster homes.

Legislative Timeline

January 16, 2024: Bill introduced and passed First Reading.

January 18, 2024: Referred to committees on PSM and WAM.

February 8, 2024: Reported from PSM with amendments and passed Second Reading.

March 15, 2024: Recommended for passage with amendments by the committees on JHA and CMV.

March 19, 2024: Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee on FIN.

Related Legislation

HB 2226: This bill serves as a companion to SB 2094, indicating a parallel legislative effort to address similar issues related to women inmates and animal welfare.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of SB 2094, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on women inmates and the correctional system.

Bill