AZ HB2488

Prohibits the Department from placing inmates in isolated confinement unless there is reasonable cause to believe the inmate or another person would face substantial risk of immediate and serious harm, with no less restrictive intervention available.

Bans placement in isolated confinement based on protected characteristics including race, creed, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, pregnancy, and other specified statuses.

Limits isolated confinement to no more than 15 consecutive days or 20 days during any 60-day period, with exceptions only for facility-wide lockdowns, emergency confinement, medical isolation, and protective custody.

Requires isolated confinement cells to be properly ventilated, lit, temperature controlled, clean, and equipped with functioning sanitary fixtures.

Mandates due process protections including an initial hearing within 72 hours of placement, subsequent reviews every 15 days, the right to appear and be represented, an independent hearing officer, and written statements of reasons for placement decisions.