S3318A

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Sepúlveda to protect in-person visits between incarcerated parents and their children, rejecting arguments that such contact enables contraband smuggling. The bill, S3318A, passed on a 38-18 vote. Sen. Sepúlveda argued that research demonstrates face-to-face visits reduce recidivism and benefit child development, and criticized private equity firms and companies like GTL and Securus for replacing in-person contact with expensive video conferencing services. "Children have a right to hug their parents," Sepúlveda said, urging colleagues to examine research on the benefits of maintaining family bonds. Sen. Borrello opposed the measure, contending that New York prisons have become increasingly violent and that direct contact visits facilitate weapons and contraband smuggling. He argued the solution is for people not to commit crimes rather than to facilitate prison visits. The bill takes effect 120 days after becoming law.