Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that limits the use of solitary confinement for individuals confined in juvenile detention facilities.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an individual confined in a juvenile detention facility from being subject to “solitary confinement” unless he or she meets the following requirements (Sec. 1):
• The individual poses an immediate and substantial risk of harm to the security of the facility, to himself or herself, or to others, not resulting from a mental disorder;
• The individual is not gravely disabled; and
• The individual has been given all other less-restrictive options to address the risk.

• Defines “solitary confinement” as the placement of an incarcerated individual in a locked sleep room or cell alone, with minimal or no contact with individuals other than guards, correctional facility staff, and attorneys (Sec. 1).

• Requires an individual in a juvenile facility subject to solitary confinement to be held in accordance with guidelines including, but not limited to, the following guidelines (Sec. 1):
• The individual is only held in solitary confinement for the minimum time required to address the risk;
• The individual is not held for more than 4 hours;
• The individual is only held in solitary confinement for a period of time that does not compromise the mental and physical health of the individual; and
• The individual is returned to regular programming that does not involve solitary confinement immediately following the period of solitary confinement.

• Prohibits staff of the juvenile facility from using solitary confinement as punishment, discipline, coercion, convenience, or retaliation (Sec. 1).

• Requires each local and state juvenile facility to make public information regarding each use of solitary confinement, excluding any identifying information (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill do not apply to minors or wards in court holding facilities or adult facilities (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text