In a major victory for prisoner advocates, New York City lawmakers passed legislation on Wednesday to ban the practice of solitary confinement in the city's jails. The bill, which passed with an overwhelming majority, allows for the isolation of inmates who pose an immediate risk of violence for a maximum of four hours in “de-escalation” units. Those placed in longer-term restrictive housing would be required to have at least 14 hours outside of their cells and have access to the same programming as those in the general population.

Supporters of the legislation, including New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and prominent members of New York's congressional delegation, argue that solitary confinement amounts to torture. Research has shown that even short periods of isolation can increase the likelihood of suicide, violence, and overdose among inmates. It also leads to severe mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis, making it harder for inmates to reintegrate into society upon release.

However, Mayor Eric Adams has voiced his objections to the bill, stating that it would create an environment of fear and instability in the city's jails. He specifically took issue with a provision that requires a hearing before an inmate is placed in solitary confinement. While he did not explicitly state that he would veto the legislation, council leaders have said they have the votes to override a veto if necessary.

The Correction Officers' Benevolent Association, the union representing staff in the city's jails, has also opposed the bill, claiming that it would make it harder to keep everyone safe. They argue that punitive segregation is a vital tool used by correction officers to maintain safety and protect themselves from violent inmates. The union has even launched a mobile truck advertising campaign urging council members to vote against the bill.

The issue of solitary confinement has gained renewed attention in recent years due to reported deaths at the Rikers Island jail complex and other city facilities. In one well-known case, the city agreed to pay $3.3 million to the family of Kalief Browder, a teenager who spent two years in solitary confinement at Rikers before taking his own life. The Board of Correction, which oversees the city's jail system, voted in 2021 to end solitary confinement, but critics argue that it continues to occur under different names.

The legislation passed by the City Council sets strict limits on the use of isolation in city jails. Inmates can only be held in isolation for a maximum of four hours in a 24-hour period, and staff and mental health professionals must interact with them at least once an hour. The bill also requires detailed paperwork for every street stop that police officers carry out. While supporters argue that this will hold officers accountable and help prevent racial profiling, critics say it will divert resources away from crime-fighting and create unnecessary bureaucratic burdens.

The bills passed with a veto-proof majority, meaning that even if Mayor Adams chooses to veto them, the City Council can override the veto. Supporters of the legislation see it as a significant step toward ending a practice that they view as psychological torture. They hope that New York City's actions will serve as a model for other communities seeking to ban solitary confinement.