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1997 SESSION

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974290432
HOUSE BILL NO. 2489 Offered January 20, 1997 A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 53.1-35.1, relating to communications by prisoners. ---------- Patrons-- Robinson and DeBoer ---------- Referred to Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 53.1-35.1 as follows:

§ 53.1-35.1. Communications privileges with attorney or media.

A. The Director shall provide by rule that any state correctional facility's telephone system which is available to a prisoner for his use shall provide for unmonitored telephone conversations between the prisoner and his legal counsel. The rule may require that the prisoner, at a reasonable time prior to making a call to his legal counsel, notify the warden or chief correctional officer of the facility of the telephone number of his legal counsel. The Director shall also provide by rule that all authorized visits by a prisoner's legal counsel with the prisoner shall not be monitored.

B. The Director shall provide by rule that members of the news media credentialed by the Department of Corrections be granted reasonable access to the interior of a state correctional facility to meet with Department staff or prisoners.