Bill > SB787

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for solitary confinement in Pennsylvania correctional institutions, seeking to limit its use and protect inmates' rights and well-being. The legislation defines solitary confinement as confining an inmate alone for approximately 20 hours per day with severely restricted movement and social interaction, and sets strict conditions for its implementation. Key provisions include prohibiting solitary confinement for vulnerable populations (such as inmates who are 21 or younger, 55 or older, pregnant, or have certain mental health conditions), requiring medical and mental health evaluations before and during confinement, limiting consecutive days of solitary confinement to 15 days and 20 days in a 60-day period, and mandating daily clinical evaluations. The bill also requires hearings within 72 hours of placement in solitary confinement, ensures inmates have legal representation, and mandates that cells be properly maintained with basic necessities and access to recreation and social interaction. Additionally, the legislation establishes an independent investigator to monitor solitary confinement practices, creates a hearing review board to investigate potential misconduct, and requires quarterly public reporting on solitary confinement usage. The bill aims to reduce the harmful psychological impacts of prolonged isolation and ensure more humane treatment of inmates in correctional facilities.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=787