Bill > SB461

This bill requires the Arkansas Department of Corrections, Division of Youth Services, and all local and regional detention facilities to submit detailed quarterly reports to the Legislative Council about the use of solitary confinement (which the bill defines as "segregation"). The reports must include comprehensive data such as the racial, gender, and age composition of individuals placed in segregation, the number of people with serious mental illnesses or disabilities, instances of suicide and self-harm, and the duration of segregation for each individual. The bill provides extensive definitions of what constitutes segregation and serious mental illness, and requires reporting on the specific reasons for placing individuals in segregation, including a lengthy list of disciplinary infractions ranging from violence to possession of unauthorized items. The first report under this new requirement is mandated to be completed by October 1, 2025, and aims to provide transparency and detailed tracking of how solitary confinement is used across Arkansas correctional facilities. By requiring such granular reporting, the bill seeks to create a more comprehensive understanding of segregation practices and potentially identify patterns or issues in its implementation.