45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

RELATING TO CORRECTIONS; ESTABLISHING AN INDEPENDENT BOARD OF INQUIRY TO EXAMINE ISSUES REGARDING THE INCARCERATION OF FEMALE INMATES; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. INDEPENDENT BOARD OF INQUIRY--ISSUES REGARDING INCARCERATION OF FEMALE INMATES--DUTIES--REPORT.--

A. An independent board of inquiry is established to examine issues regarding the incarceration of female inmates. The independent board of inquiry shall be composed of three corrections consultants, each of whom possesses expertise with regard to the incarceration of female inmates.

B. The corrections consultants shall be selected following the issuance of a request for proposals by the legislative council service.

C. The independent board of inquiry shall conduct a comprehensive review of issues regarding incarceration of female inmates, including:

(1) classification policies and procedures;

(2) the use of administration segregation;

(3) policies and procedures for protecting female inmates from sexual assault and harassment;

(4) provision of medical services, including screening and treatment issues;

(5) provision of mental health services, including diagnosis, treatment and medication issues; and

(6) policies and procedures concerning parole planning for female inmates.

D. The independent board of inquiry shall make periodic oral reports to the joint interim legislative corrections oversight committee during the 2002 interim. Prior to December 1, 2002, the independent board of inquiry shall make its final oral report and present the corrections oversight committee with a written report of its findings and recommendations.

E. The corrections department and any private entity that contracts with the department for the provision of correctional services for female inmates shall, upon request from the independent board of inquiry, make available any documents, material or information requested by the independent board of inquiry.

Section 2. APPROPRIATION.--One hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the legislative council service for expenditure in fiscal year 2003 for the purpose of contracting with corrections consultants to examine issues regarding the incarceration of female inmates. The corrections consultants shall report to the joint interim legislative corrections oversight committee. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2003 shall revert to the general fund.