Sunday, January 31, 2010

Over the past few years, several incidents have occurred inside the state correctional facilities state lawmakers found alarming. As a result, legislators have looked into and questioned whether the state is doing enough to prevent misconduct among it's correctional employees.

"We need to make sure prisons are safe," said State Senator Jean Schodorf.

Schodorf has played a central role in the investigation. Monday morning she will present her findings, along with Senate Bill 434 to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Currently, the state penalty for authority figures within correctional institutions, committing sex crimes with inmates or parolees is less when compared to other states. This bill would heighten the penalty, even allowing the judge to sentence the offender to time served behind bars.

"This would make the crime equal with trafficking... We need to increase the penalty level," said Schodorf.

Schodorf will meet with the Senate Judiciary committee Monday morning at 9:30.