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
California's famous Justin Vineyards settles sexual harassment lawsuit

Justin Vineyards Faces Legal Reckoning: Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Settlement Rocks California Wine Industry

A winery proprietor in California has agreed to a $1.49 million settlement…
Hundreds of protesters swarm proposed NYC men’s homeless shelter site, physically block construction truck

Protesters Rally at Proposed NYC Men’s Homeless Shelter Site, Halting Construction Efforts

A wave of outrage swept through Brooklyn on Sunday evening as protesters…
$270M E-3 Sentry spy plane demolished by Iranian attack at Saudi air base

Iranian Strike Destroys $270M E-3 Sentry Spy Plane: Unprecedented Attack at Saudi Air Base

US officials have confirmed the destruction of an American E-3 Sentry aircraft…
US allows Russian oil tanker to reach Cuba amid blockade as Trump says island ‘has to survive’

US Greenlights Russian Oil Tanker’s Arrival in Cuba Amid Blockade, Trump Advocates for Island’s Survival

The United States is set to permit a Russian oil tanker, laden…
NY socialist pols want free childcare for infants to 12-yr-olds — with taxpayers footing $13B annual tab

New York Socialist Lawmakers Propose $13B Annual Investment in Universal Childcare for Ages 0-12

Democratic Socialists of America officials are pushing for extended full-day “free pre-teen…
WATCH: School Resource Officer Bashes Teen Baseball Player in Head with Taser

Shocking Video: School Officer Strikes Teen Baseball Player with Taser

In a disturbing turn of events, a school resource officer in South…
4-year-old rescued after Long Island laundromat kidnapping

Miraculous Rescue: 4-Year-Old Saved from Terrifying Long Island Laundromat Kidnapping

A 4-year-old girl from Long Island has been safely reunited with her…
U.S. forces striking Iranian naval vessel

Iran Resolute in Pursuit of ‘Complete Victory’ Amid Significant Military Setbacks

An Iranian military official declared on Tuesday that Tehran’s forces remain committed…
San Francisco supervisor delays resignation decision as she navigates personal health crisis

San Francisco Supervisor Postpones Resignation Amid Personal Health Challenge

Jackie Fielder, a prominent progressive figure among San Francisco’s supervisors, has reversed…
Newly emerged video shows Noelia Castillo's father cheering her on as she tried to walk

Heartwarming Moment: Noelia Castillo’s Father Encourages Her First Steps in Viral Video

A heart-wrenching video has surfaced, capturing a poignant moment between paraplegic gang…
Passenger bomb threat triggers police response and evacuation on Frontier flight under investigation

Bomb Scare on Frontier Airlines Leads to Evacuation and Police Action

On Sunday, a Frontier Airlines flight was diverted to a secluded runway…
CPAC 2026: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Talks the MAHA Agenda One Year In

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Reflects on the MAHA Agenda at CPAC 2026: Insights One Year On

Robert Kennedy Jr., the Health and Human Services Secretary, received a warm…