ARTICLE XII

Section 1

The health, welfare, and safety of the lives and property of the people of this State and the conservation of its natural resources are matters of public concern. The General Assembly shall provide appropriate agencies to function in these areas of public concern and determine the activities, powers, and duties of such agencies. (1970 (56) 2683; 1971 (57) 46.)

Section 2

The General Assembly shall establish institutions for the confinement of all persons convicted of such crimes as may be designated by law, and shall provide for the custody, maintenance, health, welfare, education, and rehabilitation of the inmates. (1970 (56) 2683; 1971 (57) 46.)

Section 3

The General Assembly shall provide for the separate confinement of juvenile offenders under the age of seventeen from older confined persons. (1970 (56) 2683; 1971 (57) 46.)
Editor’s Note
The present provisions of this section are somewhat similar to former Section 7 of Article XII as it existed prior to the 1971 revision. For similar provisions in Constitution of 1868, see Const 1868, Art X, Section 8.

Section 4

Section 5

Section 6

Section 7

Section 8

Section 9

The Penitentiary and the convicts thereto sentenced shall forever be under the supervision and control of officers employed by the State; and in case any convicts are hired or farmed out, as may be provided by law, their maintenance, support, medical attendance and discipline shall be under the direction of officers detailed for those duties by the authorities of the Penitentiary. Provided, however, that the General Assembly may authorize the Department of Corrections to transfer inmates to correctional institutions of other states or the federal government for confinement, treatment or rehabilitation when such transfers are deemed to be in the best interest of the inmate concerned. (1969 (56) 930; 1971 (57) 237.)