Federal bill would ban solitary confinement across all U.S. detention facilities

What does this do?

Senate bill S 2477 would eliminate solitary confinement in federal prisons, immigration detention centers, and private facilities operating under federal contracts. Detainees would be guaranteed at least 14 hours per day outside their cell with access to education, job training, and mental health programs. Isolation would only be permitted for a few hours at a time during a true emergency, under strict rules.

Who does it affect?

The bill applies to all people held in federal detention facilities, including immigrants. People under 25 or over 55, pregnant women, people with disabilities or mental health diagnoses, and LGBTQ individuals could never be placed in isolation under any circumstances.

Why does it matter?

States and localities receiving certain federal law enforcement grants would be required to adopt similar rules or lose at least 10 percent of that funding. People harmed by violations could sue in federal court and seek money damages, including for emotional suffering.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• 10% federal grant loss possible
• Suits may yield money damages
• No spending total cited