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Committee approves bill limiting punitive solitary confinement for juveniles
Summary
The Judiciary Committee passed House Bill 17‑55 to restrict punitive isolation/solitary confinement of individuals 18 and under to no more than 24 hours except for enumerated safety exceptions; the measure was described as vetted and unopposed in committee.
The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday approved House Bill 17‑55, which seeks to limit punitive isolation or solitary confinement of individuals 18 years of age and younger.
Senator Clark, who ran the bill, said the measure defines punitive isolation and solitary confinement and establishes a 24‑hour limit, with exceptions such as physical assault, conduct posing an imminent threat to safety, or attempted escape. The bill as presented requires written authorization from a warden for placements exceeding the time limit in custodial settings.
Senator Clark told the committee she had consulted stakeholders and believed the language was agreed to. No one signed up to testify for or against the bill in committee. After closing remarks, Clark moved to pass the bill; a second was recorded and the committee adopted the measure by voice vote.
Supporters said the bill attempts to balance protection of juveniles from harsh disciplinary practices with the need to manage dangerous conduct in custodial settings. The transcript records the committee’s approval by voice, but does not include a roll‑call tally.
