Lawmaker wants mandatory visitor screening after prison staff falls ill

Bill proposed after staff at prison falls ill

State Sen. Dan Stec is proposing a bill to require screenings after 30 staff members at Upstate Correctional Facility fall ill.

A North Country state senator is introducing a bill to address contraband in prisons.

This comes after nearly 30 officers and other staff members were hospitalized after some kind of chemical exposure at Upstate Correctional Facility in Malone.

State Sen. Dan Stec, R – Queensbury, said he spoke directly with the staff during a tour of this prison on Thursday. They told him that the state purchased body scanners for each prison. However, only employees can be required to undergo a screening. It is optional for visitors.

Stec is introducing legislation to make visitor screenings mandatory.

“If you’re coming in for a contact visit with your loved one, or your buddy or your drug friend, you’re going to get subject to screens or you’re not coming in,” he said.

The senator also wants to require New York have a secure vendor program.