H.R. 4682 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned, Jul 23, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryRestricts solitary confinement in prisons
Ever wondered what solitary confinement means for people behind bars. This bill would severely limit the use of solitary confinement in federal prisons, with only rare exceptions like emergency situations. It would also require that incarcerated people spend at least 14 hours each day in shared spaces with others. For state and local jails and prisons, the bill would tie funding to adopting similar rules about limiting solitary confinement.
How it affects you
If you're incarcerated in a federal facility, or in a state or local jail that receives federal justice funding, this would change your conditions and limit how much time you could spend isolated. Incarcerated people would also gain the right to sue the government for harm if they were placed in solitary confinement. For the broader public, this would establish new oversight bodies to monitor prison conditions.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Jul 23, 2025)
End Solitary Confinement Act
This bill restricts the use of solitary confinement and establishes minimum standards for incarceration at the federal, state, and local levels.
At the federal level, the bill generally prohibits the use of solitary confinement in federal facilities with limited exceptions, such as if necessary to de-escalate an emergency situation. The bill also establishes minimum standards for incarceration, including at least 14 hours per day of out-of-cell congregate interaction in a shared space that is conducive to meaningful group interaction.
The bill requires state and local governments to implement laws, policies, and programs that substantially comply with the restrictions on solitary confinement and minimum standards for incarceration in order to receive full funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program.
The bill establishes an independent community monitoring body, as well as an advisory body of stakeholders, to help provide oversight.
Finally, the bill allows a prisoner to file a federal civil action for mental or emotional injury suffered if there is a prior showing of placement in solitary confinement or an alternative unit.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 4682
A BILL
End Solitary Confinement Act
Sponsor: Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) · Introduced Jul 23, 2025 · Crime and Law Enforcement · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jul 23, 2025: “Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.”
Sections
Sections · 11
- Sec. 1Short titleNo change
- Sec. 2FindingsNo change
- Sec. 3Ending solitary confinement and establishing minimum standardsNo change
- Sec. 4OversightNo change
- Sec. 5Creating State incentives to end solitary confinementNo change
- Sec. 6DefinitionsNo change
- Sec. 7Removal of limitation on recovery on certain suits by incarcerated peopleNo change
- Sec. 8Revisions to standard operating procedures and standardsNo change
- Sec. 9Appropriations and prohibition on use of fundsNo change
- Sec. 10SeverabilityNo change
- Sec. 11Effective dateNo change