The House Judiciary Committee voted 14‑12 to advance House Resolution 280, which directs a study of environmental conditions at state correctional institutions — including air and water quality — to determine if incarcerated people and corrections staff are exposed to harmful, hazardous or unsanitary conditions.

Representative Kinkade, sponsor of the resolution, said the study would "help us to ensure that, the folks who are housed in these facilities and the folks who are working in these facilities, are able to stay healthy, and, we can address any remediation issues that are are necessary." Counsel said the department is required to deliver findings and recommendations to the General Assembly within 24 months.

Chairman Kaufman argued that prior agency inspections and health department reviews at facilities such as SCI Fayette have not found environmental data demonstrating exposures to carcinogens and questioned the need for another resolution study: "I I just think we don't have to pass a resolution about everything. Go to DOC, have the conversation, and ask the questions." Counsel and other members replied that an independent, commission‑led study would provide a public report beneficial to the entire General Assembly.

Why it matters: Proponents said an environmental study would identify remediation needs affecting the health of residents and staff; opponents cited existing Department of Health and DEP inspections that found no evidence of harmful exposure at some facilities.

Next steps: The committee reported the resolution as committed; counsel recorded a 24‑month deadline for the department's findings to reach the General Assembly.