End Solitary Confinement Act

Protection from Physical and Mental Harm: The bill seeks to prevent the "devastating harm" associated with solitary confinement, such as self-mutilation, suicide, heart disease, anxiety, depression, and psychosis (Section 2).

Increased Human Engagement: It mandates that incarcerated individuals have access to at least 14 hours of out-of-cell time daily, including structured programming and recreation (Section 3(a)(2)(A)).

Protections for Vulnerable Groups: The bill prohibits involuntary confinement for specific groups, including people 25 years of age or younger, people 55 years of age or older, individuals with disabilities, pregnant people, and those identifying as LGBTQ+ (Section 3(a)(2)(B)(D)).

Enhanced Oversight and Accountability: The establishment of a community monitoring body allows for unannounced visits and private interviews to ensure facility compliance (Section 4(a)).

Expanded Legal Rights: The Act allows incarcerated people to bring civil actions for injuries caused by violations of the new standards, including seeking damages for emotional pain and suffering (Section s 3(c)(1) and Section 7).

Limitations on Emergency Response: While restrictive, the bill limits the use of confinement during emergencies to a maximum of 4 hours total immediately following an incident or 4 hours total during a 24-hour period, which may impact how staff manage immediate risks (Section 3(a)(2)(B)(iii)).

Impact on State/Local Funding: States or local entities that do not comply with the new standards face a reduction of at least 10 percent in their federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funding (Section 5(b)).

Restrictions on Facility Construction: The bill prohibits the use of appropriated funds for constructing new facilities, procuring equipment, or making improvements to existing buildings used for incarceration (Section 9(b)).