Bill > SB360

This bill introduces new regulations for solitary confinement in Pennsylvania state correctional institutions by establishing comprehensive data collection and reporting requirements. The legislation defines key terms such as "solitary confinement" (confinement in a cell for approximately 20 hours or more per day with severely restricted movement and social interaction) and identifies specific vulnerable populations, including inmates who are 21 or younger, 70 or older, pregnant, postpartum, or perceived to be LGBTQI. The bill mandates that the state's correctional department collect detailed data on solitary confinement, including population demographics, reasons for confinement, duration, mental health impacts, and recidivism rates. The department must produce an annual report by August 1st each year, which will be submitted to the Governor and key legislative committee chairs, and publicly posted online. The report must aggregate the collected data while protecting inmates' personally identifiable information. Additionally, the bill requires the department to publish its solitary confinement policies and procedures online and provide written notification of any policy changes, with annotations tracking modifications. The primary goal appears to be increasing transparency and accountability in the use of solitary confinement within Pennsylvania's prison system.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=360