Residence Of Individuals In Government Custody Act
Impact
Upon enactment, S2257 would mandate the Department of Corrections to maintain a comprehensive electronic record of incarcerated individuals' last known addresses prior to their incarceration. This data would inform the secretary of state for accurate population counts during federal decennial censuses. The bill emphasizes the confidentiality of individual identities, ensuring the information collected does not allow for identification outside of the Department of Corrections. By incorporating this demographic data, the legislation aims to create more equitable representation in the state’s legislative districts.
Summary
Bill S2257, titled the 'Residence of Individuals in Government Custody Act,' aims to amend election laws to better reflect the actual residences of individuals who are in government custody, particularly those incarcerated in correctional facilities. The bill's primary objective is to ensure that these individuals are counted at their home addresses rather than their correctional facility addresses during population counts used for redistricting purposes. This legislative change is designed to correct discrepancies observed in census data outcomes, which traditionally classify incarcerated persons as residents of their places of incarceration instead of their actual residences.
Contention
While the bill proposes a significant adjustment to how incarcerated individuals are counted for electoral purposes, it may face challenges regarding implementation and public perception. Critics could raise concerns about the potential implications of counting incarcerated individuals at their home addresses, particularly in communities where incarceration rates are high. Furthermore, discussions during committee considerations highlight a possible resistance from those who believe that redistricting should naturally account for demographic shifts rather than intervening through specific legislation aimed at individuals in custody.
Requires state use actual residences of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes. Information would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the secretary of state to be utilized for redistricting.
Requires state use actual residences of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes. Information would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the secretary of state to be utilized for redistricting.
Requires state use actual residences of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes. Information would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the division of statewide planning, to be utilized for redistricting.
Requires state use actual residences of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes. Information would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the division of statewide planning, to be utilized for redistricting.
Records: other; federal decennial census data; update to reflect pre-incarceration address of incarcerated individuals and require the independent citizens redistricting commission to consider. Creates new act.