State lawmakers advanced a bill on Wednesday that would bolster visitation rights of friends, families, and volunteers at state prisons in New York.
“This bill is about protecting families,” said Assemblyman David Weprin, who spoke with Spectrum News about it. “Families have a right to see one another in-person. No child should have to miss school to see his or her parent. Visiting is a fundamental aspect of the rehabilitation process. Studies show that in-person visiting reduces recidivism rates, which is something we can all stand behind.”
The bill would ensure that a visitation program is established in law. There’s no legally binding process for visitation, which advocates say needs change.
Lawmakers supporting the legislation say it would bolster good behavior and improve outcomes in prisons.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected]