AGENCY TESTIMONY
Discussion of Intro 127 on gender-affirming items
1:14:36
·
100 sec
Deputy Commissioner Torres discusses Intro 127, which requires Correctional Health Services staff to offer gender-affirming items and medical devices to all individuals entering DOC custody. She outlines current practices and expresses concerns about certain aspects of the proposed legislation.
- TGNCNBI individuals currently have access to gender-affirming toiletry and clothing items
- DOC works with CHS to ensure access to gender-affirming healthcare and medical devices
- Concerns raised about requiring medical staff to offer items unrelated to medical issues
- Torres notes that any new items must be reviewed for safety and security concerns
- The department is exploring additional items that can be safely added to the permissible list
Francis Torres
1:14:36
That said, it is incumbent on the department to ensure a safe and humane environment for all persons in our care.
1:14:47
Intro 127 requires CS CHS staff to offer gender affirming items and medical devices to all people in entering DOC.
1:14:59
At present, OTGNBI individuals in custody have access to toiletry and clothing items that align with their gender identity and gender expression regardless of where they are housed.
1:15:15
This includes chest binders, which allow individuals to appear more traditionally masculine if they choose.
1:15:24
In addition, we work closely with correctional health services to ensure that TGNBI individuals can access gender affirming healthcare, including medical devices.
1:15:38
DOC is concerned with the requirement for medical staff to offer items to individuals in custody that are not related to a medical issue, especially if the person has not made such a request.
1:15:52
Any item that is added to the department's lists of permissible items must be reviewed for safety and security concerns and should be made accessible through procedures established by DOC.
1:16:08
The department is exploring additional items that can safely be added to the list of permissible items.
