State legislators are hoping to put an end to inmates using freedom of information filings to torment cops and prison officials.
"[The committee] felt that there is no justifiable reason for allowing the prisoners to FOI the correctional staff information," Sen. John A. Kissel, a member of the judiciary committee that approved the bill, told The Hartford Courant.
Over the past five years, a group of nine inmates filed a total of 39 FOIA requests seeking personal data about correctional staff, according to the Department of Corrections. Many of the requests appear to have been filed in direct response to disciplinary action taken against inmates.
A search of one inmate's cell turned up photos of Commissioner Theresa C. Lantz's home, along with other info about her home and car.
Two other bills were approved for a vote, as well. One would create a special safety panel and another would monitor population levels.
"The agency is constantly reviewing its practices, its equipment and its facilities to keep the correctional officers safe," said correction department spokesman Brian Garnett.
