HB 25-1013: Department of Corrections Visitation Rights

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

The act establishes visitation as a right for a person confined in a correctional facility (confined person). The department of corrections (department) may: Limit visitation for a confined person who is in restrictive housing or as a sanction following a conviction for a class 1 code of penal discipline violation; Reduce, but not eliminate, the number of visits available per week to a confined person as a result of an increase in the person's custody classification level; Temporarily deprive visitation as necessary for facility operations or for the safety of the facility, persons in the facility, and the general public; and Deny or cancel visitation for a confined person at any time as necessary to comply with requirements imposed by a court order, for victim safety, to prevent communication with a co-defendant, to preserve the integrity of a criminal investigation, to comply with treatment protocols, or for any other reason required by law. Video visits may supplement, but must not take the place of, in-person visits when in-person visits are permitted. If a confined person provides the department with reasonable notice that a requested visitation is for virtual attendance at a funeral or during or immediately following the birth of a child in the person's family, the act requires the department to make all reasonable efforts to allow the person to participate in the visitation via virtual attendance, or, if virtual attendance is not possible, via telephone. The department may adopt policies to govern visitations, including policies necessary to allow visitation as part of routine facility operations. The act states that it does not create a private right of action. The act permits a confined person to file a grievance with the department if the confined person alleges deprivation of visitation. The department is required to include information about visitation and grievances in its annual SMART Act hearing. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 34

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. June 4, 2025Governor Signed
2. May 16, 2025Signed by the Speaker of the House
3. May 16, 2025Signed by the President of the Senate
4. May 16, 2025Sent to the Governor
5. May 2, 2025Senate Third Reading Passed with Amendments - Floor
6. May 2, 2025House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
7. May 1, 2025Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee, Floor
8. April 30, 2025Senate Second Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments
9. April 29, 2025Senate Second Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments
10. April 25, 2025Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to Senate Committee of the Whole
11. April 22, 2025Senate Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Refer Amended to Appropriations
12. April 15, 2025Senate Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only

Showing 12 most recent of 19 actions. Full history