The bill amends the Restricted Housing Act to expand the age limit for inmates placed in solitary confinement, now prohibiting the placement of inmates who are younger than twenty-one or older than fifty-five years of age. Additionally, it introduces new provisions that prevent pregnant inmates or those in the first eight weeks postpartum from being placed in restricted housing. The bill also establishes protections for vulnerable populations, including LGBTQ+ inmates, ensuring they cannot be placed in restricted housing involuntarily or for protective custody. Furthermore, it limits the duration of restricted housing, stating that inmates cannot be held in such conditions for more than fifteen consecutive days or ninety days total within a twelve-month period, with specific reporting requirements for any extensions beyond this limit.

In terms of transparency, the bill mandates that correctional facilities produce quarterly reports detailing the demographics of inmates placed in restricted housing, including their names, identification, age, gender, and ethnicity. The reports must also include the dates of placement and release from restricted housing, and they are to be submitted to the legislature or local county commissioners, depending on the facility type. The corrections department is required to make these reports publicly available on its website, enhancing accountability and oversight of the use of solitary confinement in New Mexico's correctional facilities.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 33-16-1, 33-16-2, 33-16-3, 33-16-5