The bill amends Title 61 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by adding a new chapter, Chapter 51, which addresses the issue of solitary confinement in correctional institutions. It defines "solitary confinement" as the isolation of an inmate for approximately 20 hours or more per day with severely restricted activity and social interaction. The bill explicitly prohibits the placement of inmates in solitary confinement and mandates that correctional facilities implement alternative disciplinary measures instead.

These alternative measures may include limiting contact visits, restricting visitors to immediate family, loss of work opportunities, assigning additional unpaid work duties for up to 14 days, and temporary loss of privileges such as telephone, entertainment, yard time, and commissary access. The bill aims to promote more humane treatment of inmates by providing structured alternatives to solitary confinement, thereby enhancing the overall conditions within correctional facilities. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.