Expands the use of body scanners to facilities operated by the office of mental health, the office for people with developmental disabilities and the office of…

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic7
• Republican1

This bill has cosponsors from more than one party.

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why April Baskin says this is needed

In order to reduce the inflow of weapons and other contraband in DOCCS facilities, the department is authorized to utilize body scanners. This legislation would authorize OMH and OPWDD to also use body scanners to curtail the influx of weapons and other contraband into these facili- ties. The secure treatment facilities operated by OMH and OPWDD that would be eligible to use of body scanners would include Mental Health Hospitals and Facilities, Addiction Treatment Centers, Community Resi- dences, Supervised Living Facilities, Residential Treatment Facilities, Residential Care Centers for Adult and Secure Treatment Facilities. There has been a spike in weapons-related violence at certain OMH and OPWDD facilities in the past year and if enacted, this legislation would provide a sensible and needed additional layer of security for clients and staff at these secure treatment facilities so that both staff and clients can focus their efforts on treatment. This legislation merely authorizes the agencies to avail themselves of the technology, it is not a mandate and does not provide money to purchase equipment.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.