Bill > S2588

This bill, known as the "Isolated Confinement Restriction Act," aims to limit the use of isolated confinement, which is defined as confining an inmate alone or with others in a cell for approximately 20 hours or more per day with severely restricted activity and social interaction, within correctional facilities in New Jersey. The act establishes that isolated confinement should only be used when necessary to prevent immediate serious harm to the inmate or others, and only when less restrictive interventions are insufficient, with the burden of proof on the facility to demonstrate this necessity. It explicitly prohibits placing inmates in isolated confinement for non-disciplinary reasons and requires a comprehensive medical and mental health examination by a clinician before such placement. The bill also mandates timely hearings for inmates to contest their confinement, with decisions ultimately made by the facility administrator, and requires daily evaluation by a clinician to ensure inmates are not members of vulnerable populations, which include individuals 21 or younger, 55 or older, those with mental illness or developmental disabilities, serious medical conditions, pregnant individuals, or those with significant hearing or vision impairments. If an inmate is identified as vulnerable, they must be immediately removed from isolation and placed in an appropriate alternative setting, such as a specialized unit or a facility designated by the Department of Human Services. The bill outlines specific exceptions for emergency confinement, medical isolation, and protective custody, with strict time limits and evaluation requirements for each. Furthermore, it mandates that correctional facilities provide proper ventilation, lighting, temperature control, and sanitation in isolation cells, and requires the Commissioner of Corrections to develop policies, procedures, and regulations, including training for staff on identifying mental health issues and trauma disorders, and to publish quarterly reports on the use of isolated confinement. The act is set to take effect 13 months after enactment, allowing time for administrative preparations.