NC H842

Establishes uniform guidelines and procedures for solitary confinement of minor offenders in state prisons, requiring it only be used after less restrictive options are exhausted unless safety is threatened.

Prohibits solitary confinement for punishment, coercion, convenience, or retaliation, and prohibits its use when it would compromise a minor's mental or physical health.

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

For juvenile detention and commitment facilities, limits solitary confinement to four consecutive hours in a 24-hour period, requiring facility director authorization every four hours for any extension beyond the initial period.

Requires the Department of Public Safety to report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety regarding solitary confinement use with minors under 18, with exceptions during emergency circumstances posing imminent risk of harm; effective January 1, 2018.