GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1989

H	1 

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 944

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Sponsors: Representatives Watkins; Craven and Blue.

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Referred to:  Rules.

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March 29, 1989

A JOINT RESOLUTION STATING THE INTENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONCERNING PRISONS.
Whereas, it is the intent of the State of North Carolina to operate its prison system in accordance with established constitutional principles and to protect the people of the State from those who violate its laws; and
Whereas, since 1985 the State has appropriated substantial funds to make improvements to the State's prison system; and
Whereas, the State has taken steps through appropriations, construction, stabilization of the prison population, and implementation of diversionary alternatives to incarceration to resolve past litigation and to improve the operation of the prison system; and
Whereas, the separate resolution of the various lawsuits challenging prison conditions has resulted in operational standards which differ from prison to prison; and
Whereas, it is desirable for the State to bring an end to unnecessary and wasteful litigation concerning the conditions of confinement within the State's prison system;
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
Section 1.  The General Assembly undertakes to appropriate sufficient funds over the next eight years to achieve the following goals:
(1)	To provide 50 square feet of living space for each member of the prison population;
(2)	To provide adequate security for the prison population, correctional staff and the public;
(3)	To provide adequate medical care;
(4)	To provide adequate fire safety; and
(5)	To provide for the other basic needs of the prison population.
Sec. 2.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.