Bill > SB1193

This bill requires the state department of corrections to work alongside a newly created safety and wellness committee to develop plans for therapeutic and de-escalation spaces in all prisons to replace traditional solitary confinement, which is also referred to in the text as restrictive housing. Under the legislation, qualified prisoners with a history of physically assaultive behavior who must be placed in restrictive housing will instead be housed in these therapeutic environments, where they are guaranteed at least eight hours of meaningful out-of-cell time each day—such as recreation, visitation, and group activities—along with access to standard store purchases and care packages. The newly established safety and wellness committee, which will meet monthly and include diverse stakeholders such as medical professionals, mental health experts, formerly incarcerated individuals, family members, and department employees, is tasked with assisting in the creation of these placement plans, reviewing prison culture regarding de-escalation, and maintaining access to confined individuals and facilities. Furthermore, the bureau of health care services must collaborate with trauma experts and the committee to establish specific, humane standards for these therapeutic spaces, ensuring they feature controlled temperatures, positive visual elements, sensory and exercise activities, tablet and television access, and personalized care plans. Finally, the bill specifies that it cannot take effect unless a related piece of legislation, Senate Bill 1192, is also enacted into law.