By C1 Staff
TRENTON, NJ — A bill will be introduced Monday to reduce the use of solitary confinement in New Jersey’s prisons.
NJ.com reports that the bill would regulate solitary confinement at New Jersey correctional facilities.
The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Raymond Lesniak, said he’s unaware of “how bad the use or abuse” of solitary confinement is in the NJ Department of Corrections, and says the bill is a response to a nationwide push for less solitary confinement.
“We just want to make sure in New Jersey that we curtail it and only use it when necessary,” he said.
The bill would require inmates receive an initial hearing within 72 hours of being placed in isolation, and implement a 15-day cap on isolation except in special circumstances.
It would eliminate the use of isolation for inmates under the age of 21, over the age of 55, and those who have serious medical issues or mental conditions.
It would also require inmates receive a medical and mental health evaluation before being isolated, along with being evaluated by a clinician on a daily basis.
The current use of solitary confinement in New Jersey is regulated by a section of the state’s administrative code known as Title 10A. The document includes provisions for heating, lighting and sanitation of cells, periodic review for inmates placed in administrative segregation, access to visitors, recreation and education programs, among other details.
The DOC also has a special review committee which conducts bimonthly reviews of cases where inmates have been placed into administrative segregation.
A spokesperson for the DOC said they could not comment on pending legislation.