In the near future, we intend to reintroduce Senate Bill 222 from last session, which would require the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections to report annually information regarding inmates placed within and released from solitary confinement within the state prison system.

The use of solitary confinement within prison systems has come under increased scrutiny in recent years in Pennsylvania and across the nation. Many believe that it does little to improve prison safety, is inhumane and should be restricted or eliminated altogether. A growing number of states across the country have embraced efforts to reform the practice.

To understand fully how solitary confinement is being used in our state correctional institutions, our legislation would require the annual collection and reporting of data related to the use of solitary confinement, as well as the publication of policies and procedures governing its use.

Our proposal is modeled after legislation enacted in Virginia that was supported by the ACLU of Virginia.

We hope you will join us in cosponsoring this legislation.