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Assembly rejects motion to discharge contraband-screening bill from committee
Summary
A motion to discharge A.5058, a bill to require enhanced contraband screening at correctional facilities, failed on the floor after advocates argued for immediate action to protect staff and inmates while opponents said the bill should follow normal committee procedures.
A motion by Mister Palmisano to discharge A.5058 (a bill directing the Department of Corrections to establish contraband screening measures, canine assignments and a secure vendor program) failed on a party-line procedural vote after floor debate on May 3.
Palismano said recent increases in contraband incidents and assaults required immediate legislative action. "Contraband smuggling through our prisons puts everyone at risk," he said, citing instances of synthetic marijuana (K2) and fentanyl reaching inmates and even causing staff exposures that required Narcan.
Proponents described a package of measures including scanning systems, canine assignments, and a secure-vendor program for inmate packages. Opponents — including several members who favored regular committee consideration — urged following the committee process rather than bypassing it with a discharge motion. "The proper procedure of dispensing of bills is through the committee process," one member said.
The clerk announced the result of the procedural motion to discharge: Ayes 15, Nos 98; the motion failed and the bill remained in committee.
