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Schenectady County Legislature adopts resolution asking state to revisit HALT solitary-confinement law
Summary
After hours of public comment and debate, the Schenectady County Legislature voted 12–2 (1 excused) to pass a resolution asking the New York State Legislature to reexamine the HALT Act’s provisions as applied to smaller county jails.
The Schenectady County Legislature on June 10 passed a resolution asking the New York State Legislature to review and amend the HALT Act, the state law that restricts use of segregated confinement in correctional facilities. The vote was 12 in favor, 2 opposed and 1 excused.
The resolution, sponsor-listed as resolution 89-25, seeks a review of HALT’s application to smaller county jails and asks for what sponsors called clearer guidance and additional state resources for programming and staffing. Legislator Hughes sponsored the measure on the floor; the final motion text read as a request that the state legislature “reexamine the provisions of the HALT Act to address any unintended consequences,” according to remarks made during discussion.
Supporters of the resolution — including several legislators and correctional leadership — said they did not intend to repeal HALT’s humane goals but want practical adjustments for smaller facilities. Legislator Hughes said the measure aims to “align the act’s humane treatment standards with the practical realities of maintaining a safe and secure correctional…
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