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. It establishes specific requirements for staff to attempt de-escalation techniques before resorting to confinement, such as talking with the child or involving a qualified mental health professional. 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 mandates that staff check on the child at least every 15 minutes during confinement and outlines procedures for transferring the child to a different facility if the behavior continues to pose a risk after the designated time. 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.