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1996 SESSION

961650487
HOUSE BILL NO. 1089
Offered January 22, 1996
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding sections numbered 53.1-32.01 and 53.1-131.01, relating to prisoner programs.
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Patrons-- Weatherholtz (By Request), Albo, Landes and Wardrup
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Referred to Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding sections numbered 53.1-32.01 and 53.1-131.01 as follows:

§ 53.1-32.01. Strength training by prisoners prohibited, exceptions.

A. Prisoners shall not engage in any form of formal or informal activities which are designed to increase their strength or fighting ability, including, but not limited to, use of resistance equipment, boxing, wrestling, martial arts of any form, or any other technique which could be used against corrections or law enforcement personnel during the performance of their duties. All equipment formerly used for these purposes shall be removed from the respective facilities and placed in a designated location for the use and training of public safety personnel with the exception of that equipment designated for the medical use of inmates pursuant to subsection B of this section. Other sports and activities shall be accessible to prisoners pursuant to guidelines developed by the Board.

B. Inmates under the supervision of medical personnel shall have access to strength training equipment when prescribed solely for therapeutic or rehabilitative purposes. Such training shall take place under the direct supervision of the medical staff in an area which is inaccessible to the general inmate population.

§ 53.1-131.01. Strength training by prisoners prohibited, exceptions.

A. Prisoners shall not engage in any form of formal or informal activities which are designed to increase their strength or fighting ability, including, but not limited to, use of resistance equipment, boxing, wrestling, martial arts of any form, or any other technique which could be used against corrections or law enforcement personnel during the performance of their duties. All equipment formerly used for these purposes shall be removed from the respective facilities and placed in a designated location for the use and training of public safety personnel with the exception of that equipment designated for the medical use of inmates pursuant to subsection B of this section. Other sports and activities shall be accessible to prisoners pursuant to guidelines developed by the Board.

B. Inmates under the supervision of medical personnel shall have access to strength training equipment when prescribed solely for therapeutic or rehabilitative purposes. Such training shall take place under the direct supervision of the medical staff in an area which is inaccessible to the general inmate population.