FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 8, 2024

Advocates Urge Governor Youngkin to Sign

HB 1244/SB719 to Limit Solitary Confinement

Richmond, VA - Interfaith Action for Human Rights (IAHR), in collaboration with its Virginia Coalition on Solitary Confinement partners, including Social Action Linking Together and theHumanization Project, is calling for Governor Youngkin to sign HB 1244/SB719.

HB1244/SB719 Restorative Housing and isolated confinement: restrictions on use establishes a time limit for the use of solitary confinement, limiting usage to a maximum of 15 days. SB719 passed the Virginia Senate on February 23, 2024, with a vote of 21-Y/17-N, and HB1244 passed the House on March 5, 2024, 51-Y/49-N.

This groundbreaking bill, with chief patron Delegate Joshua Cole leading HB1244 and chief patron Senator Lamont Bagby leading SB719, aims to reduce the use of prolonged solitary confinement in Virginia prisons, promote rehabilitation through pro-social programming, and enhance transparency in the use of solitary confinement.

Transparency is an essential aspect of HB1244/SB719. The bill introduces mechanisms for increased reporting and oversight of the use of solitary confinement in Virginia prisons. Facility administrators must provide written notification to the regional administrator within 24 hours of placing an incarcerated person in solitary confinement. This reporting requirement will ensure accountability, enable better monitoring, and allow potential concerns to be addressed.

The Coalition strongly advocates for the elimination of prolonged solitary and urges Virginia to implement alternative measures that can ensure a safer environment for both staff and incarcerated individuals. “It is imperative for the governor to take immediate action to address the inhumane and torturous conditions that incarcerated individuals are enduring in Virginia prisons. The Coalition and General Assembly have fulfilled their civic responsibility. Now, it is Governor Youngkin's turn to prioritize incarcerated individuals’ well-being by stroking his pen in a positive direction," says Kimberly Jenkins Snodgrass, Senior Advisor for IAHR Criminal Justice Reform.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Natasha White

Director of Community Engagement

Interfaith Action for Human Rights

(318) 295-5343

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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