What's happening
This bill prohibits placing inmates under the age of eighteen in segregated confinement for any reason in New York correctional facilities.
Why it matters
Protects vulnerable youth from solitary confinement. By prohibiting segregated confinement for anyone under 18, the bill addresses the unique psychological and developmental risks that solitary poses to minors, such as increased anxiety, depression, and risk of self-harm.
Promotes rehabilitation over punishment. Removing the option to isolate young inmates emphasizes approaches focused on education, mental health, and positive behavioral interventions, which are more likely to support long-term rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.
Aligns with national and international standards. This measure brings New York in line with recommendations from child welfare and human rights organizations, which have widely condemned juvenile solitary confinement as a harmful and inhumane practice.
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Who cares
Inmates under age eighteen
The bill would prohibit placing them in segregated confinement for any reason.
Correctional facility superintendents
The bill would bar them from using segregated confinement for inmates under eighteen to maintain order or discipline.
Youth justice advocates
The bill would establish an age-based prohibition on segregated confinement, rather than allowing its use subject to conditions.
Headline styles
End Solitary for Youth
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to crime victims, crime and correction
- Reported and committed to finance
- Referred to crime victims, crime and correction
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
End Solitary for Juvenile Inmates
Assembly Floor Calendar · Sponsor Daniel O'Donnell
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
4061
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
February 2, 2017
Introduced by Sen. LANZA -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction
AN ACT to amend the correction law, in relation to the confinement of inmates under the age of eighteen
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The opening paragraph of subdivision 6 of section 137 of the correction law, as amended by chapter 1 of the laws of 2008, is amended to read as follows:
Except as provided in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this subdivision, the superintendent of a correctional facility may keep any inmate, other than inmates under the age of eighteen years who shall not be placed in segregated confinement for any reason, confined in a cell or room, apart from the accommodations provided for inmates who are participating in programs of the facility, for such period as may be necessary for maintenance of order or discipline, but in any such case the following conditions shall be observed:
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06817-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the correction law, in relation to the confinement of inmates under the age of eighteen
Purpose
This bill prohibits the placement of inmates under the age of eighteen in solitary confinement.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 amends Correction Law 137 (6). Section 2 provides an effective date.
Justification
New York is one of two states that continue to sentence juveniles under the age of 18 as adults. Some of those children end up in adult prisons. Teenagers who are sent to prison should not be sent to solitary confine- ment which is unnecessary and inappropriate.
Legislative history
2017: S.4061 - Referred to Crime Victims, Crime & Correction / A.1907 - Died on Third Reading Calendar
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act takes effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.