US SB2477

Summary of S. 2477 - End Solitary Confinement Act

• Prohibits solitary confinement in all federal facilities, including Bureau of Prisons, ICE detention centers, U.S. Marshals facilities, and contracted facilities, with narrow exceptions limited to 4 hours maximum for emergency de-escalation or facility-wide lockdowns

• Requires minimum 14 hours daily of out-of-cell congregate interaction for all incarcerated persons, including at least 7 hours of structured programming (educational, vocational, mental health, substance abuse treatment) and 1 hour of recreation

• Bans involuntary emergency confinement for vulnerable populations, including those age 25 or younger, 55 or older, pregnant individuals, those with disabilities or mental health needs, and LGBTQ+ individuals

• Creates due process protections requiring placement hearings before a neutral decision maker, with clear and convincing evidence standard, legal representation rights, and 15-day reviews for anyone placed in alternative housing units

• Establishes independent oversight through a 15-member community monitoring body with unannounced facility access, and creates a private right of action allowing incarcerated persons to sue for violations with damages and attorney's fees