NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to appropriation in the General Appropriation Act

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Attorney General (AG)

Children Youth and Families Department (CYFD)

Corrections Department (CD)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of HAFC Amendments

The House Appropriation and Finance Committee amendments to HB 661 specifies the vest to be shank proof constructed with the same material used to protect divers and sharks.

Synopsis of Original Bill

HB661 would require correctional officers to wear a protective vest while supervising inmates or working among inmates. The effective date would be July 1, 2001.

Significant Issues

According to CD, there are two (2) significant issues to the department. First, HB661 could reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries suffered by correctional officers who are attacked by inmates. Second, HB661 will have a fiscal impact upon the department, which will be required to purchase enough protective vests to allow the vast majority of correctional officers to wear one while on duty.

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

CD reports HB661 could have a positive impact upon the safety aspects of the department's prison program by reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries or reducing the degree of serious injury. However, it will not entirely eliminate the problem because most inmate attacks are done with make-shift knives or "shanks" and inmates who are intent upon killing or injuring an officer will simply stab an officer in another part of the body such as the head or neck. The number of serious attacks upon correctional officers ranges from about zero (0) to five (5) each year.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

There is no appropriation in the bill to cover the cost to CD for purchasing the vests. CD estimates this could cost from $705,000 to $1,057,000 in FY 02 based on $600 - $900 vest for approximately 1,175 officers (including officers, sergeants, lieutenants and captains). In addition, the vest cannot be shared due to sanitary issues. Each officer must be issued his or her own vest. These costs should be somewhat less in the following years.

CD reports if HB661 reduced deaths or serious injuries, it could in the long-term slightly reduce the department's worker's compensation premiums.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

HB661 will slightly increase the administrative burden on CD's procurement personnel to order the vests, and on prison supervisory staff to assign the vests.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

CYFD reports HB661 focuses on adult correctional officers only and makes no reference to juvenile correctional officers.

LAT/njw:ar