This article analyzes the role of federally incarcerated people’s rights litigation in the 1960s and 1970s in shaping the prisons, especially maximum-security prisons, in the 1980s and 1990s.
Legislation and Litigation
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Restrictive Housing Legislation and Litigation Tracking Tool
This tool tracks proposed federal and state legislation and litigation concerning the use of restrictive housing.
Washington Chapter 333 (HB 2277)
This WA law ends the use of segregation for punishment in juvenile detention
Virginia Chapter 526 (HB 1648)
This VA law prohibits the placement of pregnant incarcerated people and postpartum people in restrictive housing
Washington Chapter 322 (HB 1646)
This law concerns the management of minors in youth and adult detention centers—including segregation units.
Virginia Chapter 516 (SB 1777)
This law establishes department restrictive housing data reporting to the legislature and Governor.
Texas Chapter 493 (HB 650)
This law requires training for corrections staff on the treatment of pregnant people and restricts the use of segregation for pregnant and postpartum people.
Nebraska LB 686
This law prohibits the use of restrictive housing for people who are 18 years old or younger, pregnant, or diagnosed with serious mental illness, developmental disability, or traumatic brain injury.
Montana Chapter 482 (HB 763)
This law regulates the use of administrative and disciplinary segregation and prohibits the use of segregation for pregnant and postpartum women.
Maryland SB 809
This law restricts the use of restrictive housing for pregnant and postpartum people.
Maryland HB 1001
This law prohibits the use of RH—including administrative segregation or disciplinary segregation—for minors.