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DOC says FY26 will fund Lightning Law, virtual visitation and expanded substance‑misuse counselors; programming contracts delayed but selected
Summary
DOC testified that the FY26 plan includes baseline funding for a Lightning Law discovery sharing platform, $1.4 million for a new virtual visitation web platform and federal grant funding to hire five substance misuse counselors, while master agreements for new in‑custody programming were still being finalized.
DOC officials told Council committees the department will move forward in fiscal 2026 with several programmatic changes meant to modernize services and expand in‑custody programming.
First Deputy Commissioner Francis Torres and program deputies said the department plans to baseline $1 million for a Lightning Law discovery‑sharing platform to allow secure electronic sharing of records between clients and attorneys. DOC said it expects Lightning Law to speed case processing and improve access to counsel.
The department also said it secured $1.4 million in FY26 funding for a new web‑based virtual visitation platform intended to replace the current mix of systems and streamline attorney and family visits. DOC said for the time being the new virtual visit system will be deployed in kiosks and on tablets where appropriate, and will be integrated into scheduling platforms for in‑person visits.
DOC described a federal Bureau of Justice Assistance grant that funds five substance‑misuse counselors for jail‑based services. Assistant Commissioner Jasnia Sanchez and program staff said the positions are in the pipeline and the department is recruiting and vetting candidates.
On in‑custody programming, Deputy Commissioner Nel McCarty said RFPs for a suite of in‑custody services were posted in January 2025, responses were evaluated and vendors selected, and master agreements were being finalized with the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services. DOC said the new programming line in FY26 totals roughly $14 million and targets supplemental education, trauma‑informed care, substance misuse programming and transitional planning.
Deputy McCarty acknowledged the new funds do not fully replace about $17 million in programming that was previously cut and said some services were insourced into DOC counseling units. She said selected vendors were being notified and the department will work to close budget and registration issues to launch services in early FY26.
Why it matters: Lawyers, family members and advocates have long complained about limited access to discovery and attorney time for people in custody and inconsistent visitation technology. The multi‑pronged investment indicates the administration’s emphasis on technological modernization and substance misuse treatment in jails.
Ending: DOC said programming and platform rollouts are subject to final contracting timelines and invited council oversight while staff work with MOCS and vendors to finalize master agreements and onboarding.
