HB 1322 Summary

• Restricts use of solitary confinement in Hawaii correctional facilities, requiring clear and convincing evidence that a committed person would create substantial risk of immediate serious harm and that less restrictive interventions would be insufficient.

• Prohibits placement of vulnerable populations (persons age 21 or younger, age 60 or older, pregnant, with mental illness or developmental disabilities, or LGBTQ+) in solitary confinement; requires alternative placements in specialized or medical units.

• Requires medical and mental health examinations before placement, initial hearings within 24 hours, right to representation by independent hearing officer, and daily clinical evaluations; limits disciplinary solitary confinement to 15 consecutive days or 20 days total per 60-day period.

• Mandates Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation develop written policies and procedures by July 1, 2026, including less restrictive alternatives, staff training, quarterly public reporting on solitary confinement usage, and monitoring compliance.

• Requires Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission to review all solitary confinement placements and monitor housing involving 20+ hours of cell confinement; department must report progress to legislature by 40 days before 2027 session.