It seems common sense, but the Women’s Prison Project finds it necessary to give it the force of law: Women in prison should be searched only by female guards, and male guards should not observe them when they are undressed, except in an emergency. The Department of Public Safety, while not objecting to the intent, cites a difficulty hiring women as guards.

The measure is just part of a legislative package advocated by the prison project coalition, but illustrates the complexity of the work to be done to improve conditions for women in incarceration.

To rebate or not rebate

Gov. David Ige’s proposal in January to extend $100 rebates or credits to every local taxpayer grabbed headlines and the attention of the public. It was a nice idea — a bright surprise after two years of pandemic gloom.

But the enabling bills are going nowhere and appear to be dying. Opposition in the Legislature and problems with federal regulations suggest that Ige may have gotten ahead of himself.

Perhaps some of that money could better go into another Ige priority: replenishing the state’s rainy day fund. Certainly, this pandemic has taught us the value of having a little extra money on hand.