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IL SB0065

IL SB0065
ISOLATED CONFINEMENT RESTRICT


summary

Introduced
01/13/2025
In Committee
01/13/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

104th General Assembly

Bill Summary

Creates the Isolated Confinement Restriction Act. Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Nelson Mandela Act. Provides that a committed person may not be in isolated confinement for more than 10 consecutive days. Provides that a committed person may not be in isolated confinement for more than 10 days in any 180-day period. Provides that the provision of basic needs and services, such as nutritious food, clean water, hygiene supplies, clothing, bedding and mattress, religious materials, legal materials, access to grievance forms, and access to medical and mental health, shall not be restricted as a form of punishment or discipline for committed persons in isolated confinement. Provides that a committed person in protective custody may opt out of that status by providing informed, voluntary, written refusal of that status. Provides that a committed person shall not be placed in isolated confinement if the committed person: (1) is 21 years of age or younger; (2) is 55 years of age or older; (3) has a disability as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; or (4) is pregnant or postpartum. Provides that nothing in the Act is intended to restrict any rights or privileges a committed person may have under any other statute, rule, or regulation. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

AI Summary

This bill, known as the Isolated Confinement Restriction Act (or Nelson Mandela Act), establishes significant limitations on the use of isolated confinement in correctional facilities across Illinois. The bill defines isolated confinement as confining a person in a cell for more than 17 hours in a 24-hour period and imposes strict restrictions: no person can be held in isolated confinement for more than 10 consecutive days or more than 10 days in any 180-day period. Certain individuals are completely exempt from isolated confinement, including people who are 21 years or younger, 55 years or older, have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, or are pregnant or postpartum. The bill ensures that basic needs and services cannot be restricted as punishment during isolated confinement, and individuals in protective custody can voluntarily opt out of that status. Inspired by Nelson Mandela's experiences of prolonged imprisonment, the legislation aims to align Illinois' correctional practices with international human rights standards, specifically the United Nations' Mandela Rules, which emphasize treating prisoners with dignity and protecting them from cruel or inhuman treatment. The bill also amends the Unified Code of Corrections to incorporate these new standards and becomes effective immediately.

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Referred to Assignments (on 01/13/2025)

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