The bill seeks to improve public safety by reforming the use of segregated housing in Minnesota jails and prisons, specifically by prohibiting solitary confinement and establishing new regulations for inmate treatment in these settings. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 243.521, to define various types of segregation, such as administrative and disciplinary segregation, and sets forth conditions that must be met for inmates placed in segregated housing. Key provisions include ensuring adequate living conditions, access to medical care, personal hygiene items, and opportunities for communication and recreation. The bill also mandates mental health screenings for inmates and requires documentation and reporting of their treatment.

Additionally, the legislation introduces incentives for positive inmate behavior and allows for immediate reentry into the general population without idle periods following segregation. It establishes guidelines for the discharge of inmates from segregated housing, particularly for those who have been in such settings for extended periods, ensuring careful consideration for public safety during their release. The bill emphasizes transparency and accountability by requiring annual reports on segregation practices and outlines specific conditions for the use of administrative and disciplinary segregation. It also prohibits solitary confinement, requires approval for placing vulnerable populations in segregation for extended periods, and mandates the creation of updated segregation policies by January 1, 2026, in compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act. Overall, the bill aims to create a more humane and regulated approach to inmate segregation while prioritizing the safety and rights of inmates.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 243.521