summary
Introduced
01/16/2025
01/16/2025
In Committee
03/12/2026
03/12/2026
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 creates the Isolated Confinement Restriction Act (also known as the Nelson Mandela Act), which sets strict limits on the use of isolated confinement in correctional facilities. The bill defines isolated confinement as confining a person in a cell for more than 17 hours in a 24-hour period and establishes that 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 those 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 for individuals in isolated confinement, and allows individuals in protective custody to voluntarily opt out of that status. Drawing inspiration from Nelson Mandela's experiences of prolonged isolation during his imprisonment, the bill seeks to align Illinois' correctional practices with international human rights standards, specifically the United Nations' Mandela Rules, which emphasize treating prisoners with dignity and minimizing the suffering inherent in deprivation of liberty. The legislation also amends the Unified Code of Corrections to incorporate these new restrictions on isolated confinement and disciplinary procedures.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
House Judiciary - Criminal Committee Hearing (17:00:00 3/18/2026 Room D-1 Stratton Building) (on 03/18/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1428&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/10400HB1428.htm |
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