Stec Votes To End Prison Double Bunking
Senator Dan Stec said legislation he is cosponsoring to end the practice of using double-bunking in New York State prisons passed the State Senate today.
The bill (S2211) was approved unanimously by a vote of 61-0.
“Double bunking leads to cramped quarters, which can raise tensions among inmates and create challenges that put our correctional officers at risk,” said Senator Stec. “As we saw with COVID, and the same could apply with any airborne communicable disease, there’s an advantage to social distancing and double bunking is precisely the wrong approach.”
The Public Employees Federation (PEF) supports the bill, explaining in a memo that by limiting the number of inmates in state correctional facilities the demand for professional services, including medical, dental and educational, will be more manageable.
Companion legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Billy Jones is pending consideration by the Assembly Committee on Correction.
Posted: April 28th, 2021 under General News.