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VA HB35
Bill
Status
Engrossed
2/11/2026
Primary Sponsor
Joshua Cole
Click for details
AI Summary
- Defines "isolated confinement" as confinement to a cell for 17 or more hours per day and limits placement to 15 consecutive days maximum, with no more than 15 total days in any 60-day period except under specific circumstances
- Requires documented justification by facility head or designee for placing incarcerated persons in restorative housing or isolated confinement, including demonstrating that less-restrictive settings cannot address the situation
- Mandates placement reviews every two business days instead of weekly, with medical and mental health evaluations within one working day of placement by certified professionals
- Requires minimum four hours daily of out-of-cell programmatic interventions including classes, work assignments, or therapeutic treatment in congregate settings for persons in restorative housing or isolated confinement
- Establishes lockdown restrictions limiting duration to seven days without regional administrator approval, requiring documented security justification, and prohibiting multiple lockdowns within 30 days without confirmation of new security risks
Legislative Description
Restorative housing and isolated confinement; restrictions on use.
Last Action
Continued to next session in Rehabilitation and Social Services (15-Y 0-N)
3/6/2026
Committee Referrals
Rehabilitation and Social Services2/13/2026
Appropriations: Transportation & Public Safety1/26/2026
Appropriations1/23/2026
Public Safety: Subcommittee #21/16/2026
Public Safety12/23/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available