ALBANY, N.Y. — State Republicans are taking aim at the law that limits the scenarios where corrections officers can put inmates in solitary confinement.
At a press conference Monday, they claimed that since the law took effect, inmate assaults have increased by 139% and assaults on staff have risen by 51%.
“These statistics are not just numbers on a page. They represent real people,” said Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan. “What the HALT Act did was take the handcuffs—take them off our CO’s belts, they put them on their wrists and said ‘OK, boys, girls—go back to work.”
The legislation includes recommendations made by the HALT committee, made up of state corrections and criminal justice officials and prison workers.
The proposed bill seeks to expand the types of criminal behavior eligible for solitary confinement. It would also remove language that prevents people involved in riots, escapes, or attempted escapes from being placed in solitary.
Supporters of the HALT Act argue that solitary confinement causes severe psychological harm and is inhumane.
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