Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB4972

Introduced
7/27/23  

Caption

End Solitary Confinement Act

Impact

The proposed legislation mandates that individuals in federal facilities have access to at least 14 hours per day of out-of-cell interaction in group spaces without physical barriers. States and localities receiving federal funds are required to comply with this standard or face financial penalties, thus incentivizing reform at the state level. The bill emphasizes the need for mental health support and engagement programs to ensure that the incarcerated do not suffer severe psychological damage during their confinement.

Summary

House Bill 4972, also known as the 'End Solitary Confinement Act', seeks to prohibit the practice of solitary confinement across all federal agencies and their contracted entities. This bill finds that solitary confinement is tantamount to torture and has deleterious psychological effects on individuals, particularly among marginalized communities including people of color and those with mental health issues. The intent is to create a more humane incarceration system that enhances the wellbeing and rehabilitation of incarcerated persons rather than merely punishing them through isolation.

Contention

Among contentious points discussed in legislative circles is the balancing act between ensuring public safety and implementing reforms that advocates argue are critical for human rights. Some members express concerns over reducing measures that they believe are necessary for controlling violent offenders, while advocates argue that ending solitary confinement is a step toward decriminalizing mental health issues and reducing recidivism by providing individuals with the tools they need to reintegrate into society successfully.

Companion Bills

US SB3409

Related End Solitary Confinement Act

Similar Bills

US HB982

Pregnant Women in Custody Act

US SB3409

End Solitary Confinement Act

US HB44

Effective and Humane Treatment of Youth Act of 2023 or Kalief's Law This bill establishes requirements for the treatment of youth in the criminal justice system at the federal, state, and local levels. A youth is an individual who is 21 years of age or younger. At the federal level, the bill requires federal law enforcement officers to record youth custodial interrogations, limits the use of solitary confinement for youth at federal facilities, and limits the use of restraints on youth during federal court proceedings. At the state and local levels, the bill places conditions on existing grants and establishes a new grant to incentivize the implementation of similar policies with respect to youth. First, the bill reauthorizes the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant program for FY2023-FY2027. To be eligible for grant funds, state and local governments must implement policies that, with respect to youth, provide a right to speedy trial, provide a right to timely bail consideration, and restrict the use of solitary confinement. Second, a state or local government that receives funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program or the Community Oriented Policing Services program must implement policies and training on police-youth interaction. Third, the bill directs the Department of Justice to award grants to help state and local governments record youth custodial interrogations.

HI HB1280

Relating To Corrections.

HI SB347

Relating To Corrections.

HI SB3344

Relating To Corrections.

HI SB347

Relating To Corrections.

HI HB1280

Relating To Corrections.