§31-20-9a Juvenile facilities standards commission; purpose; powers; and duties.
§31-20-9a. Juvenile facilities standards commission; purpose; powers; and duties.
The purpose of the commission is to assure that proper minimum standards and procedures are developed for the structure and physical plant of juvenile detention and juvenile correctional facilities and their operation, maintenance and management. To this end, the commission shall:
(1) Develop standards for the structure and physical plant, maintenance and operation of juvenile detention and correctional facilities. These standards shall include, but not be limited to, requirements assuring adequate space, lighting and ventilation; fire protection equipment and procedures; provision of specific personal hygiene articles; bedding, furnishings and clothing; food services; appropriate staffing and training; sanitation, safety and hygiene; isolation and suicide prevention; appropriate medical, dental, behavioral and other health services; indoor and outdoor exercise; appropriate vocational and educational opportunities; rules and discipline; religious services; vocational programs; library services; visitation, mail and telephone privileges; and other standards necessary to assure proper operation.
(2) Propose legislative rules for promulgation pursuant to article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, including, without limitation, the minimum standards for juvenile detention and correctional facilities as provided in subdivision (1) of this section not later than the first day of December, two thousand one.
(3) Develop a process for reviewing and updating these rules and standards as necessary to assure that they conform to current law.
(4) Report periodically to the authority to advise and recommend actions to be taken by the authority, if necessary, to implement proper standards in the state's juvenile detention and correctional facilities.
The commission is hereby directed to promulgate an emergency rule, pursuant to the provisions of article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, relating to licensing and accreditation for juvenile detention facilities and juvenile correctional facilities: Provided, That such emergency rule shall make provision for grandfathering existing juvenile detention facilities and juvenile correctional facilities into the licensing and accreditation scheme.