Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C–Walden) has signed on as a co-sponsor of legislation (A.9333) that would authorize the use of body scanner technology in juvenile detention and justice facilities operated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).

The legislation recently advanced through the Assembly Health Committee and is aimed at strengthening safety measures inside facilities by helping staff detect dangerous contraband before it enters secure settings.

This bill reflects concerns raised during a bipartisan meeting hosted by Assemblyman Brian Maher at the Goshen Juvenile Detention Facility.Assemblyman Maher invited Senator James Skoufis, Senator Rob Rolison and Chair of the Assembly Standing Committee on Children and Families Andrew Hevesi, as well as union representatives from PEF, SCEA and the Commissioner of NYS Office of Children and Family Services.With all of these stakeholders together, this legislation represents the first of hopefully many future actions in support of the working conditions and continued violence within juvenile detention facilities in New York State.

“Our meeting in Goshen made it clear that staff working in juvenile facilities are facing real safety challenges," said Meghan Hurlburt, chief of staff to Assemblyman Maher."This legislation is an example of Majority and Minority lawmakers rolling up their sleeves and working together on a practical step forward that gives facilities an additional tool to prevent weapons, drugs and other dangerous contraband from entering these environments.”

According to advocates supporting the legislation, incidents involving contraband in OCFS secure facilities increased 84% between 2019 and 2022, while positive drug tests among residents rose 24% during the same period.

Maher said addressing contraband is critical not only for staff safety but also for maintaining stable environments that allow youth to access education, counseling and rehabilitation services.

“This bill is about protecting staff, protecting youth and making sure facilities remain safe and focused on rehabilitation,” Hurlburt added. “We’re going to continue advocating for this legislation as the session moves forward. Thank you to Senator Skoufis, Senator Rolison and Chairman Hevesi for putting party aside to work to address this important issue.Hopefully we can do this more often on a variety of issues facing New York families and communities.”

Maher’s office said the bill represents an example of bipartisan collaboration and constructive follow-up to the discussions held in Goshen.