Bill to promote more prison visitors could lead to better post-release outcomes, advocates say

Can something as simple as having more visitors from the outside help inmates avoid returning to the inside after they are released?

Rep. Leigh Finke (DFL-St. Paul) says yes.

“A study of visitation in Minnesota’s prisons showed recidivism rates dropped significantly simply by having visitors,” she said. “It’s not hard to imagine why this is true. We all need human connection.”

Having family visitors is best, Finke said, but more visits from medical and mental health professionals are beneficial, too.

To that end, the Finke-sponsored HF3761 would establish that these professionals have the same unrestricted visitation rights lawyers currently have. A task force of up to 40 members would determine the types of support or mentoring professionals who would qualify.

After hearing testimony from former inmates and Department of Corrections officials, the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee laid the bill over Tuesday.

The department has roadblocks that limit prisoner visitations, Finke said, so the bill would mandate that its visitation rules “be drafted and applied to maximize visitation for inmates.”

Two former inmates shared stories of friends and relatives declining to visit because they would be subjected to intimidating questioning and undignified searches.

Zeke Caligiuri said some metal detectors were so sensitive that they were triggered by underwire bras. “Women would have to go to the bathroom, cut out the wire from their bras just so that they could come in and visit their loved ones.”

Holly Kathleen Bot, who served a 12-year sentence in the Shakopee prison, also spoke on how regular visits from family and friends allowed her to “come back to life” upon release.

“Their commitment wasn’t just about seeing me, it was about keeping me grounded, focused, and ready for the day I could step out again and rebuild my life. I finished my time as a model inmate and today I am a successful business owner.”

Prisons would be prohibited from limiting the number of inmates a visitor may meet with and from imposing lifetime visitation bans on inmates.

Rep. Walter Hudson (R-Albertville) asked whether the proposed rules would raise security concerns, such as an increase in contraband smuggling.

Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell said all face-to-face interactions have the risk of contraband transfers, but newer technologies in Minnesota prisons, such as full-body scanners, are very effective at preventing smuggling.