Following allegations that convicted killer Steven Hayes read books in prison containing graphic scenes of violence and murder, the state Department of Corrections has launched a review of the books available to inmates in prison libraries.
State lawmakers were considering a bill that would have set new rules as to what books would be available in prison libraries, but Corrections Commissioner Leo C. Arnone told lawmakers at a legislative hearing this morning that the department is already in the midst of establishing such a policy. Arnone said he expects the process to be completed by July 1.
"I'm not sure whether were going to actually need this bill...if you're doing this already,'' said state Sen. John Kissel, the Enfield Republican who drafted the bill.
Arnone said the new rules will be based on guidelines issued by the federal Bureau of Prisons. Each correctional facility will establish a committee to review the reading material available in that prison's library and determine whether it is appropriate for the inmates housed there. Most of the books in the state's prison libraries are donated, Arnone added.