New York Senate Bill S07216

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/4/25
• Refer: 4/4/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Relates to segregated confinement; prohibits segregated confinement for certain persons.

Summary

This bill amends New York’s correction law to further restrict the use of segregated confinement in state and local correctional facilities. It preserves segregated confinement only as a measure of last resort and for the minimum period necessary to maintain order or discipline, while expressly prohibiting it for three categories of incarcerated people: juveniles under age 21, people with a mental illness or developmental disability, and people with a documented permanent physical disability that substantially limits major life activities. The bill also requires the commissioner of corrections to compile and publish quarterly, disaggregated data on segregated confinement, including related suicide attempts and self-harm. In addition, it clarifies that facility rules must be specific and provide actual notice of prohibited conduct, and that any disciplinary sanction of segregated confinement must be limited to the minimum period necessary.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend sections 137 and 138 of the Correction Law, narrowing when correctional facilities and local jails may impose segregated confinement and adding new categorical exclusions. It would also create a new reporting obligation for the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to publicly release quarterly data on use of segregation and associated mental health harms. The measure would affect incarcerated individuals, correctional administrators, sheriffs, and facility disciplinary practices statewide.

Sentiment

The available record does not include committee transcripts or recorded votes, so there is no documented floor or committee debate to gauge support or opposition. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears to reflect a reform-oriented approach focused on limiting isolation practices and increasing transparency. The overall tone of the legislation is protective of vulnerable incarcerated people and consistent with efforts to reduce harmful confinement practices.

Contention

Because no transcripts or votes are provided, specific points of contention are not documented in the available materials. Based on the bill’s provisions, likely areas of dispute would include the categorical ban on segregated confinement for people under 21 and for those with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or permanent physical disabilities, as well as the new quarterly reporting requirement. Correctional officials may view these limits as reducing disciplinary flexibility, while advocates for incarcerated people would likely support them as necessary safeguards against harmful isolation.