Bill to limit solitary confinement for youth gets committee hearing this week

Pierre — Lawmakers previewed a House bill aiming to restrict the use of solitary confinement for juveniles in state custody, framing the measure as a protection for vulnerable children.

The House minority leader from District 10 said House Bill 12 76 would place clear limits on isolation for children in state care, require regular review and emphasize accountability in treatment. "Children should never be in solitary confinement," the representative said, summarizing the bill's intent to prioritize mental health and support.

The measure would narrow circumstances under which isolation can be used and introduce oversight mechanisms, the sponsor said. The representative said committee testimony is expected to include stories from affected youth and experts and that the bill would not eliminate all disciplinary tools but would favor care over punishment.

Supporters framed the proposal as responsive to research on the harms of isolation for youth; opponents were not identified in the briefing, though lawmakers said the committee would hear multiple perspectives at Friday's hearing. The bill's sponsor urged colleagues to weigh empirical evidence as they consider the proposal.

Next steps: House Bill 12 76 was scheduled for a Friday committee hearing in judiciary, where lawmakers expected testimony and data to inform deliberations.