This bill amends several sections of the Nebraska Treatment and Corrections Act to update definitions and provisions related to restrictive housing and solitary confinement. Key changes include the definition of "restrictive housing," which now specifies that it involves limited contact with other offenders and less than ten hours of out-of-cell time per day, replacing the previous standard of twenty-four hours per week. The bill also eliminates the term "solitary confinement" and introduces a new definition that describes it as confinement for at least twenty-two hours per day in an individual cell with specific restrictions on contact, light, and activities.

Additionally, the bill establishes new regulations regarding the placement of inmates in restrictive housing, including a maximum duration of fifteen consecutive days and stipulations for vulnerable populations, who cannot be placed in restrictive housing. It mandates the development of individualized transition plans for inmates and requires the Department of Correctional Services to report annually on the demographics and conditions of inmates held in restrictive housing. The bill aims to enhance the treatment of inmates and ensure that confinement practices are humane and consistent with best practices in corrections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 83-170, 83-173.03