NC H790

Establishes uniform guidelines and procedures for the use of solitary confinement for minor offenders in the North Carolina Department of Corrections.

Prohibits solitary confinement as punishment, coercion, convenience, or retaliation, and only after less restrictive options have been attempted and exhausted unless they pose a safety threat.

Limits initial solitary confinement to four hours for minor offenders, after which staff must return the minor to general population, consult mental health/medical staff, or develop a reintegration plan.

Requires documented authorization from the facility superintendent every four hours for any solitary confinement exceeding four hours, along with documentation of reasons and an individualized reintegration plan.

Exempts extraordinary emergency circumstances posing imminent substantial risk of harm to staff or minors from these restrictions, and requires the Department of Public Safety to report on solitary confinement use with offenders under 18 years old.