This is the second year in a row lawmakers have passed a bill to limit the use of solitary confinement in prison and jails.
solitary confinement
Posted inJustice
In their own words: Prisoners testify on solitary confinement bill
The incarcerated testified on a bill that would reduce the use of solitary confinement and establish independent oversight of the DOC.
Posted inJustice
Solitary confinement reemerges as major criminal justice issue for lawmakers
The Judiciary Committee agreed to hold a public hearing on solitary confinement. An hour earlier, the DOC commissioner said it didn’t exist in Connecticut prisons.
Posted inJustice
Youth prison on partial lockdown since Nov. 19 to stop COVID-19 spread
The lockdown at Manson has advocates worried that incarcerated youth aren’t getting the services they need – or being vaccinated.
Posted inJustice
Prison system revises policies on in-cell shackling, visitations
The revisions are the latest response to Gov. Ned Lamont’s executive order that the DOC change its solitary confinement practices.
Posted inJustice
Spurred by executive order, prison system starts revising solitary confinement policies
The Department of Correction estimates that about 780 people in Connecticut prisons and jails are members of a “vulnerable population.”
Posted inJustice
With solitary confinement bill vetoed, hopes dashed for return of ombudsman
Connecticut had a prison ombudsman for 37 years. The PROTECT Act would have staffed the office. Then Lamont vetoed it.
Posted inJustice
In-cell shackling has continued after a supermax prison closed, but the DOC promises changes
The commissioner of Connecticut’s prison system says he wants to “significantly reduce the use of in-cell restraints.”
Posted inJustice
Lamont vetoes limits on solitary confinement, counters with executive order
Gov. Ned Lamont vetoed a bill Wednesday that would have set statutory limits on the use of solitary confinement in prisons.
Posted inJustice
Prisoners’ families, others pressure Lamont to sign solitary confinement bill
Former UConn star and NBA coach Caron Butler was among those pressing Lamont to sign the bill
Posted inPolitics
Senate passes solitary confinement bill
The measure passed 26-10 over Republican objections that the bill handcuffs corrections officers and makes prisons less safe.
Posted inPolitics
Despite pricey fiscal note, solitary confinement bill passes out of committee
The brief dialogue previewed the potential fight to get the bill passed through the House and Senate.
Posted inJustice
Lawsuit over solitary confinement in limbo as state pushes for mediation
Attorneys for prisoners want the lawsuit to go on while negotiations continue. A federal judge heard arguments Thursday.
Posted inJustice
Writing from their prison cells, the incarcerated submit testimony about their time in solitary confinement
One man wrote from his cell at Northern that solitary confinement is a “prison system within a prison system.”
Posted inJustice
Advocates push to curtail solitary confinement in CT prisons
The proposal would create a mechanism for the oversight of DOC procedures, and strengthen incarcerated people’s social bonds to their communities and families.