Austria Justice Committee approves prison reform

The Justice Committee of the Austrian National Council has approved a major amendment to the prison system (Strafvollzugsnovelle) aimed at relieving pressure on correctional facilities and increasing security.

A key component of the reform allows for the deportation of foreign offenders to their home countries after they have served half of their sentence. However, this provision explicitly excludes individuals convicted of serious violent crimes, sexual offenses, or terrorist acts.

To enhance security, prison guards will receive expanded powers to conduct searches to prevent the smuggling of prohibited items. The reform also introduces measures to support reintegration, such as the possibility of delaying the start of a prison sentence for those serving terms of up to two years or those completing vocational training. Additionally, expanded video telephony with relatives and legal counsel will be permitted.

The legislation also includes provisions to improve information exchange between correctional authorities and social insurance providers regarding the status of inmates' insurance claims. Furthermore, the committee unanimously supported a separate government proposal to improve criminal legal protections against human and organ trafficking.