Georgia House Bill HB232

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/23

Caption

Penal institutions; require public disclosure of certain data pertaining to health, safety, or other conditions of detention of inmates

Impact

If enacted, HB232 would significantly impact state law by establishing a requirement for transparency concerning the treatment of inmates. The amendment to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated would lead to public accessibility of critical information about the conditions within detention facilities. This could empower advocacy groups, lawmakers, and the general public to hold penal institutions accountable for any deficiencies in the health and safety of inmates, potentially prompting reforms where needed.

Summary

House Bill 232 aims to amend the conditions of detention within penal institutions by enforcing public disclosure of aggregated data related to the health, safety, and other conditions of inmate detention. This initiative seeks to enhance transparency within the penal system, allowing for a greater understanding of the conditions that inmates face. By mandating that an officer in charge produce reports containing de-identified, aggregated data, the bill ensures that the information is accessible to the public, reinforcing accountability in the management of penal institutions.

Contention

The bill's introduction may not be without contention, as the requirement for public disclosure could raise concerns among penal officials regarding operational security and privacy. Some may argue that releasing certain types of data could pose risks to both inmates and corrections staff. Additionally, the administrative burden of compiling and releasing this data might be viewed as an additional strain on detention facilities already facing resource constraints. Proponents, however, could counter that the benefits of increased oversight and accountability far outweigh these concerns, particularly in advocating for inmates' rights and welfare.