Sec. A-1. 30-A MRSA §1651, as enacted by PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 and Pt. C, §106 and amended by PL 1989, c. 6, c. 9, §2 and c. 104, Pt. C, §§8 and 10, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
§1651. Examination of jails; board of visitors
1. Examination. At the commencement of each session required by law, the county commissioners shall examine the jail in their county and take necessary precautions for the security of prisoners, for the prevention of infection and sickness and for the accommodations of the prisoners.
2. Appointment. The sheriff for each county shall appoint a board of 5 visitors for each correctional facility under the sheriff's supervision.
A. Members of the boards of visitors serve for terms of one year except that, of the initial appointments, 2 must be for terms of 3 years, 2 must be for terms of 2 years and one must be for a term of one year.
B. Members of the boards of visitors are eligible for reappointment at the expiration of their terms. The boards of visitors must be representative of a broad range of professionals, family members and citizens interested in the well-being of prisoners, including representatives of advocacy groups for human and civil rights, medical and psychiatric professionals, persons who have served in corrections settings and other interested citizens.
C. A member of the Legislature may not serve on a board of visitors.
D. The sheriffs of 2 or more counties, at their discretion, may appoint a joint board of visitors of 5 or more members.
3. Powers. Each board of visitors shall inspect the correctional facility to which it is assigned, subject to reasonable restrictions required by the sheriff to ensure the security of the jail, and make recommendations to the sheriff with respect to inmates who are mentally ill.
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