Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) announced his sponsorship of legislation to implement a secure digital system for legal mail in state correctional facilities. The bill, introduced in the Senate by Sen. Dan Stec, aims to modernize the delivery of privileged legal correspondence while protecting both staff and incarcerated individuals.

Under the proposal, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) would be required to establish a secure digital platform for legal mail. Law offices would register with DOCCS to send digital correspondence, which would then be accessible to incarcerated individuals through existing tablets or law library facilities.

The legislation comes in response to recent incidents where contraband, disguised as legal mail, was used to smuggle drugs and other illicit substances into correctional facilities, placing staff and inmates at serious risk.

Gray noted that correction officers are too often exposed to potential harm while responding to medical emergencies triggered by drug exposure. By modernizing the process and using secure digital technology, this legislation closes a major loophole while preserving the constitutional protections of attorney-client privilege.

“Correction officers and prison staff put themselves on the line every day, and it is essential that the state take every step possible to protect their health and safety,” Gray said. “This legislation takes advantage of technology already available within our facilities to ensure legal correspondence remains secure, while removing a dangerous avenue for drugs and contraband. It is a practical step forward to safeguard both staff and incarcerated individuals.”

The bill has been introduced in both houses and awaits committee action.