HB 296: State correctional facilities; visitation policies, reports.

Official summary

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

State correctional facilities; visitation policies; report. Requires the Department of Corrections to establish and publicly post on its website and in the lobby of each state correctional facility an objective dress code for individuals visiting a state correctional facility and specifies certain requirements for and limitations on what such dress code may include. The bill prohibits any state correctional facility from enforcing a dress code that is more restrictive than the dress code posted by the Department.The bill also prohibits any individual from being denied in-person visitation unless such individual is in clear violation of visitation rules or policies. Prior to denying entry to a visitor, the bill requires the reasoning to be (i) reviewed in person by the facility administrative duty officer and (ii) approved by a regional administrator or superior. The bill requires the Department to submit a report annually on or before November 1 to the General Assembly and the Governor with information on visitors denied entry to state correctional facilities, including the following information disaggregated by facility and by month: (a) the number of visitors denied entry and (b) the reasoning for such denials, including the specific rules or policies such visitors were alleged to have violated.The bill requires the Department to convene a work group consisting of relevant stakeholders to consider goals and develop practical policy and legislative recommendations related to facilitating visitation within state correctional facilities and report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than November 1, 2026.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2

“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. April 8, 2026Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0380)
2. April 8, 2026Approved by Governor-Chapter 380 (effective 7/1/2026)
3. March 14, 2026Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
4. March 14, 2026Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026
5. March 12, 2026Signed by President
6. March 12, 2026Signed by Speaker
7. March 12, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB296)
8. March 12, 2026Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB296ER)
9. March 12, 2026Enrolled
10. March 5, 2026Senate amendments agreed to by House (71-Y 27-N 0-A)
11. March 3, 2026Passed Senate with amendments Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
12. March 3, 2026Engrossed by Senate as amended

Showing 12 most recent of 31 actions. Full history