Rosalind Osgood bill ensures basic rights for Florida inmates

The fundamental human rights of Florida’s prison population could get a boost if a newly filed bill is adopted.

Tamarac Democratic Sen. Rosalind Osgood filed the measure (SB 106), which aims to protect the basic rights of inmates within the state’s correctional system.^[1]

The bill would establish essential requirements that would be guaranteed for all inmates in Florida, including proper ventilation, health products, sufficient food during emergencies, and a process for resolving inmate complaints.^[2]

The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) would be required to provide necessary health supplies, including personal protective equipment for medical staff at all times, and for staff and inmates during health crises or during any cleaning.^[3]

In 2019, the “Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act” (HB 49) was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, which mandated that female inmates be provided with necessary hygiene products. The measure was originally introduced by former Democratic state Rep. Amy Mercado and Sen. Shevrin Jones, during his tenure in the House.^[4]

The Act came after a tour of Florida’s prisons discovered that female inmates^[5] were being denied access to basic necessities like toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, and sanitary napkins.

Under Osgood’s bill, these health products would need to be provided upon the request of inmates.

Correctional facilities would be required to provide proper ventilation to all inmates, with the installation of sufficient air-conditioning systems or air-cooling systems. 

Older housing units in use before July 1, 2026, which cannot be fitted for air conditioning systems, would be required to have exhaust and air circulators installed sufficient enough to provide a safe and healthy environment for inmates.

Inmates would further be granted sufficient mealtimes of at least 20 minutes to eat their meals. This could be extended for inmates who have an approved medical reason.

Emergency food supplies for events such as natural disasters, would be required to be kept on hand. The correctional institution would establish a program with one or more community food banks located near the facility to ensure the inmate population has food available if there is a disruption in regular food deliveries.

The FDC would be required to provide a written copy of the rights established in the bill to each inmate upon his or her entry into the correctional system. Inmates could also file a grievance with the department if they believe their rights have been denied by the institution. 

The bill further revises the terms under which an inmate could receive a conditional medical release, by updating the definition of “permanently incapacitated inmate” to include inmates with irreversible physical impairment, disability, or handicap that leaves the inmate in a condition where they are not dangerous to themselves or others.

If passed, the bill would come into effect on July 1.