Sec. 1. 34-A MRSA §3002, as amended by PL 1989, c. 503, Pt. B, §159, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:

§3002. Boards of visitors

1.__Appointment. The Governor shall appoint a board of 5 visitors for each correctional facility under the department, as authorized by Title 5, section 12004-I, subsection 5.

A.__The terms of the members of the boards of visitors are for 3 years.

B.__Members of the boards of visitors are eligible for reappointment at the expiration of their terms.

C.__A member of the Legislature or an employee of the department may not serve on any board of visitors.

D.__Each member of the boards of visitors must be compensated according to the provisions of Title 5, chapter 379.

E.__The Governor shall appoint a chair from the membership.

2.__Duties. Boards of visitors have the following duties.

A.__Each board of visitors shall inspect the correctional facility to which it is assigned.__When a board of visitors inspects the correctional facility to which it is assigned, members of the board shall comply with all departmental policies and procedures and facility security practices regarding access to the correctional facility,__shall adhere to all federal and state law regarding confidentiality and shall refer concerns or complaints regarding specific individuals to the chief administrative officer or advocate.__ Each board of visitors must be provided open access to all physical areas of the correctional facility including access to areas housing clients.__Each board of visitors must be provided the opportunity to speak to clients and to staff.

Boards of visitors may meet jointly.

B.__Each board of visitors shall review the management of the correctional facility to which it is assigned to determine whether that management is consistent with the philosophy, mission and policy goals of the department and facility.__Each board of visitors shall prepare an annual