The bill aims to reform the use of segregated housing in Minnesota jails and prisons by limiting its use, prohibiting solitary confinement, and establishing new regulations and oversight.

Key provisions of the bill include:

1. Definitions and Scope

   • Clearly defines different types of segregation, such as administrative, disciplinary, temporary segregation, and solitary confinement.
   • Applies to both state and local adult correctional facilities.

2. Conditions in Segregated Housing

   • Requires that segregated housing conditions be comparable to general population housing.
   • Mandates access to basic needs such as hygiene items, personal belongings, fresh drinking water, adequate food, and medical care.
   • Limits unnecessary disruptions like loud noises and imposes restrictions on the use of soundproof doors.

3. Time Limits on Segregation

   • Temporary segregation cannot exceed 5 business days.
     
   • Administrative segregation cases must be reviewed regularly.
     
   • No inmate can be held in restrictive housing for more than 30 consecutive days without commissioner notification, and segregation cannot exceed 120 days without additional review.
     
   • Vulnerable populations (youth, pregnant inmates, individuals with serious mental illness or disabilities) require special consideration and cannot be held in segregation for longer than 48 hours without commissioner approval.
     

4. Banning Solitary Confinement

   • Explicitly prohibits the use of solitary confinement, defined as confinement that restricts meaningful visual or auditory contact with others beyond 20 hours per day or 45 hours in a three-day period.

5. Mental Health Considerations

   • Requires mental health screenings within 24 hours of segregation placement.
     
   • Mandates consultation with mental health professionals for inmates exhibiting mental health symptoms.
     
   • Requires facilities to report suicidal behavior in segregation immediately to the commissioner.

6. Oversight and Reporting

   • Requires detailed record-keeping on segregated housing placements, including reasons, duration, racial demographics, and any use on inmates within six months of release.
     
   • Reports must be submitted quarterly and annually to state lawmakers for transparency.

7. Discharge from Segregation

   • Restricts the release of inmates directly into the community from segregation if held for 60 or more days, unless explicitly authorized.
     
   • Mandates efforts to transition segregated inmates back into the general population through graduated reintegration programs.

8. Restrictions on Disciplinary Segregation

   • Limits the types of infractions that can result in disciplinary segregation, restricting its use to serious threats to safety or escape risks.
     
   • Establishes a due process system, including notice, hearings, and appeal rights for inmates placed in segregation.

9. Policy Development & Inmate Input

   • Requires updates to existing segregation policies by January 1, 2026.
     
   • Ensures inmates have a voice in policy changes by allowing them to submit comments before final implementation.

In summary, this bill significantly restricts the use of segregated housing, ensures humane conditions for segregated inmates, and enhances oversight and accountability. Most notably, it completely prohibits solitary confinement in Minnesota correctional facilities.