Legislation and Litigation

Featured Resources

The Most Restrictive Alternative: A Litigation History of Solitary Confinement in U.S. Prisons, 1972-2009

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.

Canada Makes Huge Reforms on Solitary Confinement

In January 2018, Canada took important steps regarding the overuse of segregation, also known as solitary confinement, when the courts decided on two separate court cases. One legal challenge from the Ontario government will no longer place people with mental

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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.

Georgia HB 345 (Act 249)

This law prohibits the use of segregation for pregnant and postpartum women.

Arkansas HB 1755 (Act 971)

This law restricts the use of punitive isolation for people who are under 18 years old.

Arkansas Department of Correction Capital Improvement Appropriation- Act 411 (HB1601)

This law appropriates funds toward the Arkansas DOC for additions to physical plant and the addition of administrative segregation beds, administrative offices, and program rooms.