Increases access to substance abuse programming for incarcerated individuals whose first language is not English

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

• Democratic2
• 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 Jamaal Bailey says this is needed

Ten percent of the state prison population, more than 6,000 inmates, were born outside of the United States. Only twenty-eight (26) percent of those prisoners come from countries where the dominant language is English, fifty-four (54) percent come from countries where the dominant language is Spanish, and eighteen (18) percent are from countries that speak primarily languages spoken in. Asia and Europe. Twenty-five (25) percent of the state prison population, more than 16,000 inmates, are of Hispanic origin. Hispanic inmates are housed throughout the system, but the highest concentrations of Hispanic inmates are housed in the Sulli- van hub (33 percent) and New York city hub (31 percent). The department of correctional services has recognized that it is neces- sary to expand its capacity to address the needs of prisoners who may have difficulty speaking and understanding program content presented only in English. Substance abuse programs are of critical importance to the Prisoner and to the community, as research. consistently shows that prison treatment programs reduce recidivism and lower health care and social service costs upon re-entry to society. Studies also show that prison treatment programs have a significantly positive impact on inmate behavior, making our prisons safer and more secure. The Department of Correctional Services operates a variety of substance abuse programs at an approximate cost of 20 million dollars annually. Yet non-English speaking prisoners have difficulty understanding, participating and completing these programs. Program content and materi- als are presented in English; few substance abuse counselors or program staff are bilingual. This bill would require the Commissioner to take steps to address this problem, without imposing specific methods or timeliness, thus preserving the flexibility of the department to proceed incrementally and to develop strategies that reflect both security and budgetary limitations. The bill calls for the Commissioner of Corrections to consult with the Commissioner on Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services to ensure that strategies developed are evidence-based, effective and professionally implemented.

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.