30:4-82.6 Findings, declarations relative to the use of isolated confinement.

2. The Legislature finds and declares that:

a. The use of isolated confinement in this State's correctional facilities should be restricted to ensure the safe and humane operation of these facilities, consistent with the New Jersey Constitution, the laws and public policies of this State, the mission of the correctional system, evolving medical knowledge, and human rights standards of decency.

b. Isolated confinement should only be used when necessary, and should not be used against vulnerable populations or under conditions or for time periods that foster psychological trauma, psychiatric disorders, or serious, long-term damage to an isolated person's brain.

c. The standards established in this act should apply to all persons detained in correctional facilities under the jurisdiction of this State or any subdivision, regardless of the civil or criminal nature of the charges against them.

d. Citing the devastating and lasting psychological consequences of solitary confinement on persons detained in correctional facilities, President Obama adopted reforms in January 2016 to reduce its use in federal correctional facilities, including banning restrictive housing for low-level offenders and juveniles; decreasing the maximum length of time an inmate may be held in restricted housing from 365 days to 60 days; and increasing time spent outside the cell for inmates held in restrictive housing.

L.2019, c.160, s.2.