[BwayDems] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- O'DONNELL BILL TO BAN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT (A1346A) PASSES ASSEMBLY

[Callie Wilson]

NEWS FROM ASSEMBLY MEMBER DANIEL O'DONNELL

Contact: Callie Wilson, 206-898-2918; callieewilson at gmail.com
245 W 104th Street, New York, NY 10025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

O'DONNELL BILL TO BAN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT (A1346A) PASSES ASSEMBLY

June 15, 2015—Today, Assembly Correction Committee Chair Daniel O’Donnell’s
bill, 1346A, passed the Assembly.

"Today’s passage of A1346a is an important step in curbing the ills of
solitary confinement when used on individuals who should not be exposed to
such treatment. I strongly believe that by adhering to the United Nation
Committee Against Torture’s (UN CAT) recommendations, inmates will be
treated more humanely and with more respect. I am reminded of the deeply
grievous story of Kalief Browder, a teenager who was held at Rikers Island
for three years without standing trial, and who spent two years in solitary
confinement. Mr. Browder was never found guilty of committing a crime and
psychologically suffered the consequences of being a minor in solitary
confinement. He committed suicide earlier this month. Mr. Browder’s story
exemplifies the need for bringing New York State prisons and jails in line
with the UN CAT Report’s recommended actions for limiting solitary
confinement. Allowing continued use of solitary confinement on minors and
the mentally disabled would be to condone torture.

"While I am overjoyed that A1346a passed the Assembly, I understand that
much work still remains in trying to make correctional institutions safer.
I will continue to fight to that end. I urge the Senate to pass this bill
as the health and wellness of those inappropriately subject to solitary
confinement depend on it."

A1346a would reform New York State’s solitary confinement laws to follow
recommendations made by the United Nations Committee Against Torture
November 2014 report. In complying with the UN CAT’s recommendations, the
bill says that “inmates should only be kept in special housing units for
the minimum period of time necessary to maintain institutional order and
safety and by prohibiting the placement of juveniles, people with mental
illness and developmentally disabled inmates in solitary confinement.”

A1346a will be sent to the Senate for consideration, where it is sponsored
by Ruth Hassell-Thompson (D, WF 36th District).

###

Daniel O’Donnell, the first openly gay man elected to the New York State
Assembly, has been a progressive voice advocating fair and sensible
legislation since he was elected to represent the 69th District in 2002,
including the author and sponsor of New York State’s Marriage Equality Law,
which was signed into law in 2011. His district includes Manhattan Valley,
Morningside Heights, and the Upper West Side.
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