Colorado lawmakers are pushing for a bill that would make visitation a right, rather than a privilege, for inmates in the state’s prisons. House Bill 1013 aims to restrict limitations on visitation to only instances necessary for routine operations or safety. The bill has received support from majority Democrats and aims to address concerns raised by family members of incarcerated individuals and former inmates, who testified about the emotional toll of denied visits. Advocates for the bill argue that visitation helps reduce recidivism and is crucial for maintaining family bonds.
Some lawmakers, including Rep. Matt Soper, expressed support for encouraging more family visits in prisons but raised concerns about making visitation a right for inmates. The Department of Corrections has also raised concerns about the bill’s lack of specificity regarding safety issues that could arise from unrestricted visitation.
While the bill still needs to clear several hurdles before becoming law, including the House Appropriations Committee and the full chamber, it has sparked discussions about the importance of maintaining family connections for inmates. Critics argue that inmates forfeit certain liberties when convicted of a crime, including visitation rights.
Despite concerns about potential costs and lawsuits, the bill has gained momentum as it moves through the legislative process. Supporters hope that by emphasizing the importance of visitation rights, they can improve the well-being of inmates and their families within the prison system.
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