New York City Council Votes to Ban Most Uses of Solitary Confinement in City Jails

The New York City Council voted on Wednesday to approve new legislation that would ban most uses of solitary confinement in city jails, arguing the practice is “inhumane.” The bill, Introduction 549-A, sponsored by public advocate Jumaane Williams, was passed by the Democratic-controlled council in a 39-7 vote. Under the measure, detainees who pose a “significant risk of imminent serious physical injury to themselves or others” will be allowed to be placed into “de-escalation confinement” for a maximum of four hours after an episode of violence. Throughout the de-escalation confinement, the detainee must also have access to a tablet or device, allowing them to make phone calls outside of the facility and to medical staff in the facility....