D Sen. Julia Salazar

The bill ensures formerly incarcerated individuals released into community supervision receive disclosure of debit card fees and charges, removing an obstacle to successful reintegration and providing them with tools needed to resume normal life.

The bill increases SCOC commissioners from three to nine and requires diverse expertise including criminal defense and public health. She argued this expansion is necessary to provide proper oversight of state prisons and prevent deaths like those of Robert Brooks and Messiah Nantwi, which she characterized as preventable.

Salazar argued that crime victims face overwhelming financial hardship from various expenses and that the current $2,500 cap on property reimbursement is inadequate and arbitrary. She stated the bill clarifies what constitutes necessary and essential property while increasing compensation limits to help survivors recover and rebuild their lives.

The bill creates an independent reporting mechanism required by PREA, allowing incarcerated individuals to anonymously report sexual violence to an entity outside DOCCS. Incarcerated people lack the liberty to contact State Police like corrections officers can, making this mechanism essential for compliance with federal law and accountability.

As sponsor, defended the bill's provisions on corrections, noting the state's CO-to-inmate ratio is better than 30 other states. Explained that HALT reform and contraband provisions were not included because they were not accepted by the Executive. Clarified that prison closures require 90-day notice and reporting to Legislature.

The bill removes unnecessary barriers for individuals with criminal records seeking professional licenses by providing a low-cost preliminary application process to determine eligibility in advance, promoting fairness, accountability, and second chances while addressing systemic inequality.