End Solitary Confinement Act

The End Solitary Confinement Act (S 3409) would prohibit solitary confinement in Federal correctional facilities, requiring all incarcerated people to have at least 14 hours daily of out-of-cell congregate interaction including programming, recreation, and social activities. The bill establishes strict limits on confinement (no more than 4 hours total in a 24-hour period for emergencies), creates a community monitoring body to oversee compliance, and provides incentives for states to adopt similar standards by tying federal funding to compliance. It also includes due process protections for people placed in restrictive housing, requiring neutral hearings with legal representation and medical assessments. The bill directly affects all people incarcerated in Federal facilities and would impact state and local facilities receiving Federal funding through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.