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Senate OKs bill requiring study of room confinement for youth in custody
Summary
House Bill 91 directs the Department of Juvenile Justice to study room confinement impacts, set minimum out-of-room hours, expand programming and trauma-informed training, and report with added committee review; the Senate passed the bill 36–2.
The Virginia Senate passed House Bill 91 on Feb. 24, directing the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to study the effects of room confinement on youth in custody and to establish minimum daily out-of-room time for residents.
Senator from Western Henrico introduced the bill and described required measures: minimum out-of-room hours, increased programming for residents, trauma-informed training for staff, and collaboration with community organizations to collect data on participation. He also noted that committee amendments add a reporting requirement and involve the Committee on Public Safety in the report.
"This bill requires DJJ to study the impacts of room confinement on youth in custody and establish a minimum number of hours per day for out of room time in their facilities," the sponsor said. Supporters said the measures will improve health and programmatic outcomes for young people in custody.
The Senate voted to pass House Bill 91 (Ayes 36, Noes 2). The bill will proceed to enrollment and any subsequent steps required by the General Assembly.
Votes at a glance: House Bill 91 — passed, Ayes 36, Noes 2.
