The bill H.192 aims to prohibit the use of solitary confinement or room confinement for children in secure facilities, allowing it only as a temporary measure in response to behavior that poses a serious and immediate risk of physical harm. The legislation mandates that staff must first attempt de-escalation techniques, such as talking with the child or involving a qualified mental health professional, before resorting to confinement. If confinement is deemed necessary, the staff must explain the reasons to the child and ensure that release occurs either immediately upon regaining self-control or within specified time limits, which are three hours for risks to others and 30 minutes for risks to the child.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for regular checks on the child during confinement and stipulates that if the child continues to pose a risk after the designated time, they must be transferred to a different facility for appropriate services. The bill clarifies that it does not limit the use of single-person rooms for housing children during regular sleeping hours and does not conflict with any existing laws that provide greater protections for minors. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.