Session: 2023-2024
ACLU-PA Position: Supports
Solitary confinement deprives incarcerated people of normal human interaction, access to reading materials, and contributes to a variety of harmful physiological and psychological reactions, such as hallucinations, depression, anxiety, and paranoia.
HB 1599 (PN 1880) would amend Title 61 (Prisons and Parole) to provide new regulations for the use of solitary confinement in correctional institutions and facilities. Key provisions in the bill include:
- Defining solitary confinement;
- Establishing procedures and conditions for placing people in solitary confinement;
- Prohibiting the use of solitary confinement for members of vulnerable populations;
- Requiring daily evaluations and reviews;
- Implementing alternative disciplinary measures;
- Creating an independent investigator and a hearing review board to monitor compliance and address misconduct; and
- Requiring the Department of Corrections to develop policies, procedures, and regulations to administer these new solitary confinement provisions.
HB 1599 would greatly limit, and in many cases, prohibit, the use of solitary confinement for vulnerable populations. There is no benefit to placing someone in isolation, and the excessive use of solitary confinement in our correctional facilities is cruel and unnecessary.
Check the bill's status here.
