Bill > S1255

This bill aims to reduce recidivism, cut unnecessary spending, and ensure that segregation within correctional facilities is used appropriately by establishing new definitions for "disciplinary segregation" and "non-disciplinary segregation," and by outlining specific procedures and protections for prisoners placed in segregation. Key provisions include limiting disciplinary segregation to fifteen days, requiring prisoners to be evaluated by a qualified mental health professional before placement in any segregation, and prohibiting segregation for individuals with serious mental illness, pregnant individuals, those under 18, or those with medical conditions that could be worsened by segregation. The bill also mandates that prisoners in non-disciplinary segregation receive comparable basic needs, out-of-cell time, and access to programs as those in general population, and establishes a Non-disciplinary Segregation Board to review placement decisions, with a right to appeal. Furthermore, it introduces a segregation oversight committee to gather data and make recommendations on the use of segregation, and requires reentry programming for prisoners within six months of their release date who are in segregation. Finally, the bill updates regulations for isolation and segregation units in jails and houses of correction, ensuring they meet certain standards and that prisoners receive appropriate mental and psychiatric evaluations and treatment.