HB 1280 Summary

• Restricts use of solitary confinement in state-operated and state-contracted correctional facilities, requiring clear and convincing evidence that an inmate poses substantial risk of immediate serious harm and that less restrictive interventions are insufficient.

• Prohibits solitary confinement for members of vulnerable populations, including those 21 years old or younger, 60 years or older, pregnant, with mental illness, developmental disabilities, serious medical conditions, or LGBTQI+ individuals; requires alternative placements instead.

• Limits solitary confinement duration to 15 consecutive days or 20 days per 60-day period during facility-wide lockdowns, requires initial hearings within 72 hours and reviews every 15 days, and mandates daily medical and mental health evaluations.

• Requires inmates in solitary confinement receive medical exams before placement, representation at hearings, maximum out-of-cell time for recreation and programming, continued access to food and medical care, and prohibits release directly to community within final 180 days.

• Requires the Department of Corrections to develop written policies and procedures by July 1, 2024, establish less restrictive alternatives to solitary confinement, provide staff training, and post quarterly reports with data on solitary confinement use by July 1, 2024.