Board of Corrections Approval of Modular Jail Facilities (language only)

Item 376 #1s

Language
Page 321, following line 51, insert:
"3.  The Board of Corrections may grant approval for the utilization by regional and local jails of temporary housing units, subject to the application of the Board's standards for community custody.  Based on the application of these standards, the Board may grant temporary approval, for a period of up to five years, for temporary housing units to be constructed or installed at regional or local jails, subject to the following conditions: (i) the temporary units shall house only outside workforce (outside trustees), work and study release, and weekender inmates; (ii) temporary housing units shall not exceed 20 percent of a facility's rated capacity; (iii) no state reimbursement shall be provided for the capital cost of such temporary units; (iv) such temporary units may not be used to house inmates other than Virginia state- or local-responsible offenders, nor shall federal or other non-Virginia inmates comprise more than ten percent of the jail's overall rated capacity; (v) the Department of Corrections shall conduct at least one inspection of the facility each year; and (vi) the five-year approval period may not be extended without an exemption from the General Assembly.  As part of the report provided as of October 1 of each year pursuant to Paragraph B. of this item, the Board of Corrections shall provide information on any temporary facility approvals granted pursuant to this paragraph."

Explanation
(This amendment provides the Board of Corrections with authority to grant approval for regional or local jails to add temporary housing units, subject to certain conditions. This is intended to encourage jails to pursue the least restrictive and least costly construction options that still provide for an appropriate level of security, for Virginia state- or local-responsible offenders.)