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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2435 |
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THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to searches of female inmates.
BE IT
ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 353, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§353- Searches of female inmates. (a)
A male correctional facility employee shall
not conduct a pat down search of a female inmate unless the prisoner presents a
risk of immediate harm to herself or others or risk of escape and a female correctional
facility employee is not available to conduct the search.
(b) A male correctional facility employee shall not
enter into an area of the institution where female inmates may be in a state of
undress, or be in an area where they can view females in a state of undress, including
but not limited to restrooms, shower areas, or medical treatment areas, unless an
inmate in the area presents a risk of immediate harm to herself or others or if
there is a medical emergency in the area. A male correctional facility employee shall not
enter into an area prohibited under this subdivision if there is a female correctional
employee who can resolve the situation in a safe and timely manner without his assistance.
Male correctional facility employees shall
announce their presence when entering a housing unit.
(c) If a male correctional facility employee conducts
a pat down search under an exception provided in subsection (a) or enters a prohibited
area under an exception provided in subsection (b), the circumstances for and details
of the exception shall be documented within three days of the incident. The documentation shall be reviewed by the warden
and retained by the institution for reporting purposes.
(d) The department may promulgate rules and regulations for the administration of this section."
SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Female Inmates; Pat Downs; Searches; Correctional Facilities; Prisons; Department of Public Safety
Description:
Requires pat downs and searches of female inmates be conducted by a female correctional facility employee unless the prisoner presents a risk of immediate harm to herself or others or risk of escape. Prohibits male correctional facility employees from entering areas where female inmates may be in a state of undress including, but not limited to, restrooms, shower areas, or medical treatment areas, unless an inmate in the area presents a risk of immediate harm to herself or others or if there is a medical emergency in the area. Requires any prohibited search, pat down, or entry by a male correctional facility employee be documented within three days of the incident, reviewed by the warden, and retained by the institution for reporting purposes.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.