Bill > S2477

This bill aims to comprehensively end the use of solitary confinement across all federal agencies and facilities by establishing strict new standards for incarceration practices. The legislation defines solitary confinement as being confined in a cell without access to meaningful group interaction and proposes to prohibit this practice except in extremely limited circumstances, such as brief periods for facility counts or emergencies. Under the bill, incarcerated individuals must be provided at least 14 hours per day of out-of-cell congregate interaction, including structured programming, recreation, and unstructured social activities. The bill recognizes solitary confinement as a form of torture that causes severe psychological and physical harm, disproportionately impacts people of color and vulnerable populations, and does not improve safety. To ensure compliance, the legislation creates a community monitoring body with broad investigative powers, establishes robust reporting requirements, and introduces financial penalties for states that do not adopt similar restrictions. Additionally, the bill provides a private right of action for individuals harmed by violations, creates definitions to prevent circumvention, and prohibits the use of funds for constructing restrictive facilities. The goal is to transform incarceration practices from punishment-focused to rehabilitation-oriented, emphasizing human dignity, mental health, and successful community reintegration.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2477/all-info