FL S0436

Prohibits placement of youth under 19 years of age in disciplinary confinement in Department of Corrections facilities.

Allows emergency confinement of youth only when nonphysical interventions would be ineffective, imminent risk of harm exists, and less-restrictive means are exhausted, with mental health clinician evaluation within 1 hour and every 2 hours thereafter.

Limits emergency confinement to 24 hours, with one-time extension of up to 24 additional hours if a mental health clinician determines release would threaten safety; requires transfer to specialized treatment facility if youth cannot be released after 48 hours.

Permits medical confinement of youth only when isolation is necessary for recovery from illness or disease prevention, with medical professional evaluation at least every 12 hours and duration limited to time needed for recovery.

Requires Department of Corrections to review policies for compliance with these provisions and submit certification report to Governor and Legislature by January 1, 2021; requires sheriffs and chief correctional officers to adopt model standards prohibiting disciplinary confinement for youth under 19.