01-09 14:51 H.C.R. 4
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Concurrent Resolution Regarding Fitness for Incarcerated Individuals
2025 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Katy Hall
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LONG TITLE
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General Description:
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This resolution addresses fitness for incarcerated individuals.
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Highlighted Provisions:
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This resolution:
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▸ highlights the physical and mental health benefits of physical activity for incarcerated
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individuals; and
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▸ urges the Department of Corrections and county sheriffs to establish community
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partnerships to develop and provide health promoting programs to incarcerated
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individuals.
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Money Appropriated in this Bill:
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None
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Other Special Clauses:
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None
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Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
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WHEREAS, in 2019 the National Library of Medicine reported that up to 43% of
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incarcerated individuals have at least one chronic health condition, and 55% of incarcerated
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males and 73% of incarcerated females have mental health issues;
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WHEREAS, health promoting activities like physical fitness have been proven to decrease
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stress, decrease psychological distress, and improve both physical and cognitive function;
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WHEREAS, individuals who, while incarcerated, engaged in a sports program reported the
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activity decreased depression and insomnia, reduced aggression and anger, and improved
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self-esteem;
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WHEREAS, a study of incarcerated individuals in the United States found that incarcerated
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individuals believe physical exercise is vital to overcoming substance abuse and behavioral
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problems;
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WHEREAS, an Arizona correctional facility's pilot fitness program resulted in a 52%
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decrease in medical requests by incarcerated individuals one month after beginning the H.C.R. 4 01-09 14:51
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program;
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WHEREAS, sport and physical fitness activities are believed to reduce stereotypes among
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incarcerated individuals and decrease prison violence; and
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WHEREAS, health-promoting programs are proven to positively assist with rehabilitation
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and have the potential to reduce recidivism:
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
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Governor concurring therein, urges the Department of Corrections to establish community
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partnerships to develop and provide incarcerated individuals with health promoting programs
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involving physical fitness in state correctional facilities.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and Governor urge county sheriffs to
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establish community partnerships to develop and provide incarcerated individuals with health
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promoting programs involving physical fitness in county jails.
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