Florida ‘inmate bill of rights' would require improving prison conditions
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — A Tampa Bay lawmaker is fighting for legislation that would protect the rights of prisoners in the state's corrections system. And while sympathy can sometimes be hard to come by for those behind bars, former corrections workers and the families of prisoners say it's time for those attitudes to change.
If passed, the bill would create an 'inmate bill of rights,' which would include sufficient mealtimes, health supplies, air conditioning or cooling units, and emergency food supplies when needed. Inmates would be provided with a written copy of these rights upon entering the system, and they would be able to file grievances if their rights are denied.
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The sponsor behind the move says this may be the year the bill is actually heard.State lawmakers, families, and former corrections workers gathered at the statehouse, calling for action and accountability to improve the treatment for Florida inmates.
'A just society doesn't abandon people once they're behind bars,' said State Senator Rosalind Osgood (D- Fort Lauderdale).
'For too long, our criminal justice system has overlooked the basic rights and dignity of incarcerated individuals. House Bill 185 is a critical step toward ensuring that every person within our correctional system is treated with fairness, humanity, and respect. This bill not only establishes clear rights for inmates but also ensures they are fully informed of those rights, creating a more transparent and accountable prison system,' said State Representative Dianne Hart (D-Tampa).Keith Harris, a parole specialist who has represented over 35 inmates before the Florida Commission on Offender Review, stands firmly behind House Bill 185.'I would have gotten him out on parole, but he died. Three days nurses with Centurion medical care walked by his cell and they never said a word to him. They never looked in there, they never did anything to help,' Harris said. 'Our medical care today, the prison system is an abyssal level. It is beyond belief what's going on.'Former sergeant and whistle blower in the Florida Department of Corrections, Mark Caruso, is also calling for change, not only for inmates but for the staff as well.
'When I reported these abuses, I faced retaliation. I was fired three times. But I refuse to stay silent,' Caruso said. 'Investing in better prison conditions isn't just about the inmates. It's also about supporting those who uphold the system every day.'
The bill has been refiled for a fifth time by Representative Hart, who is hopeful committee chairs will hear the latest legislation this session.'I am open to massaging any of the bills that I carry. I will be and have been talking to his staff around what they think will make a good bill that palpable by my Republican colleagues,' Hart said.Hart has one more year left to make this bill heard next session. The senate sponsor of the bill, however, says she will continue to refile for the years to come.
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