Share this @internewscast.com

Democratic-aligned senators introduced legislation Tuesday that would largely ban the use of solitary confinement in federal institutions and give states and local jurisdictions incentives to do the same.

The End Solitary Confinement Act, a companion to a bill that over a dozen House Democrats introduced in July, would also prevent inmates and detainees from being segregated alone for more than four hours to de-escalate emergency situations and, even then, require staff members to meet with them at least once an hour.

And, similar to the House bill, incarcerated people would also be entitled to at least 14 hours of daily time out of their cells, including access to seven hours of programming meant to address topics such as mental health, substance abuse and violence prevention.

The Senate legislation is being introduced by Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, both D-Mass.; Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.; and Peter Welch, D-Vt.

“Being forced into a small, concrete cell without windows for hours, days, weeks, and even months on end isn’t rehabilitation, it’s cruelty,” Markey said in a statement. “Solitary confinement is unjust and inhumane torture that disproportionately targets our nation’s most vulnerable groups.”

Roughly 122,000 people in federal and state adult prisons and federal and local jails are placed in restrictive housing — informally known as solitary confinement — for 22 hours or more on a given day, according to a nonprofit watchdog report based on government data.

A bill Senate Democrats introduced last year sought to reduce the use of solitary confinement by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, but these bills would go further not only by capping the hours inmates can spend isolated, but also by mandating that the federal government regularly report the number of incidents of self-harm and suicide at federal facilities, as well as the use of solitary confinement and demographic breakdowns of those confined during emergency de-escalation situations.

It’s unclear whether the End Solitary Confinement Act can get support from Republicans or President Joe Biden, who made a campaign pledge to overhaul the federal prison system, in part “by ending the practice of solitary confinement, with very limited exceptions.” The White House didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment about the legislation.

BOP Director Colette Peters said late last year, a couple of months after she took over the position, that she also wanted to know why the use of restrictive housing surged when the Biden administration promised to ease its use.

BOP figures show the number of people held in restrictive housing was up 7% this week compared to May 2022, when Biden issued an executive order to overhaul the criminal justice system and ensure federal inmates are free from “prolonged segregation.”

In recent years, all but a handful of states have introduced or passed legislation to curb solitary confinement, including ending the practice for vulnerable populations, such as juveniles and pregnant or LGBTQ prisoners.

But unions representing corrections officers in states such as Connecticut and New York have spoken out about threats to staff safety and the creation of unsafe conditions for workers and inmates that they say are the results of new laws that limit solitary confinement.

Prisoner advocacy groups insist there is growing momentum and support for ending the practice, which studies have found heightens the risk of self-harm and suicide.

The latest bill would “dismantle the walls of isolation and torture, and provide a blueprint for states and other jurisdictions to follow in order to fully eliminate this barbaric practice in America,” Jessica Sandoval, the director of the advocacy campaign Unlock the Box, which helped prepare the report on the use of solitary confinement in U.S. prisons and jails, said in a statement.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Watchdog group exposes Idaho colleges' alleged scheme to sidestep new DEI law

Idaho Colleges Under Fire: Watchdog Unveils Alleged DEI Law Evasion Tactics

An oversight group is urging Idaho’s attorney general to probe a newly…
Brother of man shot on birthday after Bronx party witnessed the slaying, was also wounded

Witness to Fatal Bronx Birthday Shooting, Sibling of Victim, Also Injured in Incident

A tragic incident unfolded when a young man was fatally shot while…
EXCLUSIVE: Enrique Tarrio Praises White House J6 Report

EXCLUSIVE: Enrique Tarrio Commends Recent White House January 6 Report

Enrique Tarrio, who had previously faced the longest prison sentence related to…
Sewage spill sends E coli surging in the Potomac River near DC

Massive Sewage Leak Triggers E. Coli Alert in Potomac River Near Washington, DC

The Potomac River is currently grappling with more than just turbulent waters.…
Whoopi Goldberg Empathizes With ‘Bridgerton’ Star Yerin Ha On ‘The View’: “People Make You Feel Like You Shouldn’t Be in a Romantic Relationship With a White Guy”

Whoopi Goldberg Supports ‘Bridgerton’ Actress Yerin Ha on ‘The View’: Tackling Interracial Romance Stigmas

Yerin Ha received invaluable advice from Whoopi Goldberg during her appearance on…
FBI makes another arrest after Minneapolis 'rioters destroyed and stole equipment’ from agent’s vehicle: Patel

FBI Cracks Down: Minneapolis Rioter Arrested for Looting Agent’s Vehicle

On Sunday, FBI Director Kash Patel revealed the apprehension of another individual…
Israel confirms recovery of last hostage's remains from Gaza

Breaking News: Israel Successfully Retrieves Final Hostage Remains from Gaza – A Turning Point in Regional Tensions

On Monday, Israel announced the recovery and return of the remains of…
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker arrested on gun possession charge at LaGuardia Airport in New York City

Green Bay Packers’ Rasheed Walker Arrested for Gun Possession at NYC’s LaGuardia Airport: Details Inside

NEW YORK — Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker found himself…
Former Louisiana high school teacher indicted for allegedly trying to entice student into sex

Louisiana Educator Indicted on Charges of Alleged Attempt to Solicit Student

A former high school educator from Louisiana has been formally charged with…
Emotional Natalie Portman praises challenge to ‘horrific moment’ amid Minneapolis killings

Natalie Portman Speaks Out: Confronting the Tragedy of Minneapolis Killings with Emotional Resolve

Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman was visibly emotional at the Sundance Film Festival…
National Guard in Minnesota hands out coffee, donuts to anti-ICE protesters

Heartwarming Gesture: Minnesota National Guard Supports Anti-ICE Protesters with Coffee and Donuts

On Sunday, the Minnesota National Guard made a notable appearance in St.…
Columbia University anti-Israel group slams new president as 'fascist' over previous encampment bust-up

Columbia University Protesters Condemn New President as ‘Fascist’ Amid Controversy Over Past Encampment Crackdown

Columbia University’s freshly appointed president is already encountering backlash from critics opposing…