What does Preamble of HR 4682 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To end the use of solitary confinement and other forms of restrictive housing in all Federal agencies and entities with which Federal agencies contract,' aims to eliminate solitary confinement and similar restrictive housing practices. The bill's scope extends to all Federal agencies and entities that contract with Federal agencies.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 4682 do?

This bill is formally titled the End Solitary Confinement Act

What does FINDINGS. of HR 4682 do?

This section outlines findings regarding the use of solitary confinement. It asserts that solitary confinement causes significant harm, including mental and physical deterioration, and may constitute torture. The text indicates that over 120,000 people are in solitary confinement daily across various detention facilities. Disproportionate impacts are noted, with Black, Latinx, Native, transgender, and people with mental health needs being more likely to experience solitary confinement. The findings suggest solitary confinement contributes to violence and harm within facilities and communities. The practice is described as rooted in a system of racism and extreme punishment. The United States is identified as an outlier among advanced democracies in its use of solitary confinement. Evidence is presented showing that engagement and programming outside of solitary confinement improve safety and well-being. The text states that eliminating solitary confinement could save taxpayers billions of dollars. It concludes that solitary confinement is costly, ineffective, and inhumane.

What does ENDING SOLITARY CONFINEMENT AND ESTABLISHING MINIMUM STANDARDS. of HR 4682 do?

This section amends Chapter 301 of title 18, United States Code, to add Section 4015, concerning ending solitary confinement and establishing minimum standards. Generally, a person incarcerated in a Federal facility may not be placed in solitary confinement. All incarcerated persons in Federal facilities must have access to at least 14 hours per day of out-of-cell congregate interaction, including structured programming, recreation, and other activities. Solitary confinement is permitted only in limited circumstances, such as during count, facility business, or emergency situations, with strict time limits. Health care staff must assess and treat incarcerated individuals placed in solitary confinement, and relocation is required if deemed necessary. Individuals under 25, over 55, with disabilities, or diagnosed mental health needs are prohibited from involuntary confinement. Federal agencies may be liable for violations of the Constitution related to solitary confinement, with potential for declaratory and injunctive relief, including facility closure.

What does OVERSIGHT. of HR 4682 do?

This section establishes a Community Monitoring Body to oversee the implementation of section 4015 of title 18. The Attorney General must establish the Community Monitoring Body within 90 days of enactment. The body will operate independently and consist of at least 15 members with specific experiences, including survivors of solitary confinement or those with loved ones affected by it. Membership also includes faith leaders, medical/mental health professionals, or civil rights/human rights advocates with relevant experience. The Community Monitoring Body has the authority to conduct unannounced visits to federal agencies and facilities and access nonclassified, nonprivileged data. Members can conduct in-person interviews with incarcerated persons and staff with consent, adhering to trauma-sensitive engagement protocols. The Inspector General will establish an advisory body focused on overseeing the implementation of section 4015, consulting with stakeholders and submitting an annual report. The advisory body will consist of individuals with experience related to solitary confinement or relevant professional backgrounds.

What does CREATING STATE INCENTIVES TO END SOLITARY CONFINEMENT. of HR 4682 do?

This section establishes incentives for states and local entities to end solitary confinement. States and local entities receiving Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) must annually certify compliance with section 4015 and related provisions to the Attorney General. Certification requires demonstrating laws, policies, and programs that substantially comply with ending solitary confinement and ensuring at least 14 hours of out-of-cell congregate interaction. Non-compliant entities may have their JAG funding reduced by at least 10 percent, excluding funding for specific community-based services. Section 4017 is added to Chapter 301 of Title 18, United States Code.

What does DEFINITIONS. of HR 4682 do?

This section amends Chapter 301 of title 18, United States Code, by adding section 4018, which provides definitions. The term 'acute psychiatric crisis' is defined as a psychiatric emergency involving a sudden onset of psychotic symptoms. An 'alternative unit' is defined as any unit more restrictive than the general facility population. The term 'attempting' requires intent and significant steps toward completing an act, but withdrawal negates intent. A 'community monitoring body' is defined as the body established under section 4016(a). The definition of 'Federal agency' includes various federal agencies and entities contracted to provide services. A 'Federal facility' includes facilities operated by federal agencies and those contracted for holding or providing services. The term 'health care staff' refers to individuals providing medical, mental, and behavioral health care services. Being 'incarcerated' is defined as being held in a Federal facility for any reason. A 'mental health need' includes current or recent mental health diagnoses. A 'multidisciplinary team' is a group of staff with different professional backgrounds within a Federal facility. A 'placement hearing' is an administrative hearing to determine placement in an alternative unit. The term 'protective custody' means housing a person for their own protection. A 'representative of the news media' gathers and distributes information of potential public interest. Solitary confinement is defined as confinement without meaningful group interaction. Special administrative measures refer to measures under 28 C.F.R. section 501.3 or its successor. A 'supervisory medical provider' is a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant with supervisory responsibilities.

What does REMOVAL OF LIMITATION ON RECOVERY ON CERTAIN SUITS BY of HR 4682 do?

This section amends Section 7(e) of the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act. It establishes a requirement for incarcerated individuals to demonstrate physical injury, a sexual act, or placement in solitary confinement before bringing a federal civil action for mental or emotional injury. The amendment restricts the ability of prisoners to sue for mental or emotional injury without prior proof of one of these conditions.

What does REVISIONS TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES AND STANDARDS. of HR 4682 do?

Federal agencies, as defined in section 4018 of title 18, United States Code, are required to incorporate the requirements of this Act and its amendments into their confinement standards and procedures. These agencies must also monitor compliance with the requirements of this Act and its amendments.

What does APPROPRIATIONS AND PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS. of HR 4682 do?

This section establishes that Congress shall appropriate funds necessary to implement the Act. Funds appropriated to carry out the Act cannot be used for buildings and facilities appropriations for the Bureau of Prisons. Funds cannot be used for procurement, construction, and improvements appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. Funds are restricted from being used for constructions appropriations for the United States Marshals Service. Funds are also restricted from being used for buildings and facilities appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services, including the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Refugee Resettlement. Federal agencies are prohibited from using funds to construct facilities where persons will be incarcerated. Federal agencies are prohibited from using funds to construct or renovate buildings or spaces within facilities where persons are or will be incarcerated. Federal agencies are prohibited from constructing, installing, or introducing weapons, objects restricting movement, or other mechanisms that limit movement or create restrictive environments.

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End Solitary Confinement Act — HR. 4682

Last updated: 7/23/2025 · Introduced: 7/23/2025

Author: Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill generally prohibits the use of solitary confinement in federal facilities, allowing it only in limited emergency situations with strict time limits.
Incarcerated individuals in federal facilities must have at least 14 hours per day of out-of-cell interaction, including structured programming and recreation.
Individuals under 25, over 55, with disabilities, or diagnosed mental health needs are prohibited from involuntary solitary confinement.
The bill establishes a Community Monitoring Body to oversee implementation and conduct unannounced facility visits.
States and local entities receiving federal justice assistance grants must certify compliance with the bill’s solitary confinement restrictions to maintain funding.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 10 more.

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