Associated Press
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A measure aimed at curbing the use of solitary confinement in jails and prisons across the state has passed another legislative hurdle.
The House Judiciary Committee on Friday split along party lines, with Democrats issuing a favorable recommendation. The legislation will now go to the full House for consideration. A similar measure is stalled in the Senate pending more negotiations.
The legislation would prohibit the use of solitary confinement for inmates younger than 18, female inmates known to be pregnant and those who have a serious mental illness.
It also would require regular reporting by all correctional facilities on the inmates who are held in isolation. Aside from numbers, the reports would have to include specific details about inmates’ circumstances and how long they were held in segregation.