Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island prison officials say they’re considering reforms to the use of solitary confinement.
The state Department of Corrections says it is working to reach a consensus with state lawmakers on proposed changes to how some inmates are classified and disciplined by being placed in restrictive cells.
A legislative commission led by Providence Democratic Rep. Aaron Regunberg has been studying the state’s solitary confinement practices since last year. A round-table meeting was held Thursday.
The corrections department said Friday it’s already implemented some reforms to increase out-of-cell time for some inmates and allow TV and radios in their cells. There’s also a proposal to provide certain inmates at least 10 hours a week of recreational time, and another 10 hours for them to participate in programs, though it’s not funded.