An Act To Define The Term "Solitary Confinement" For The Laws Governing A Jail Or Correctional Facility

This bill defines "solitary confinement" for laws governing Maine jails and correctional facilities. It specifies that solitary confinement occurs when a resident is isolated in a cell or single housing for 22 hours or more within a 24-hour period, with exceptions made for necessary medical or mental health reasons. The definition explicitly excludes isolation lasting up to five days if it is based on reasonable suspicion that a resident has ingested or inserted a contraband item.