New York lawmakers are considering new rules for the solitary confinement of prison inmates.
Legislation before the Assembly and Senate would restrict confinement to no more than 15 consecutive days unless an inmate is sent to a special residential rehabilitation unit. The bill also would prohibit solitary imprisonment for young, elderly and pregnant prisoners.
Critics of solitary confinement, including religious leaders, mental health experts and several lawmakers, plan to gather on Tuesday at the state Capitol. They're hoping the Legislature votes on the measure before the annual session ends next week.
Supporters say more than 4,000 people are now held in isolation in state correctional facilities.
