New York City Council Takes Historic Step to Ban Solitary Confinement

The New York City Council has voted to ban most instances of solitary confinement in city jails, with enough votes to override a potential veto from Mayor Eric Adams. The measure would limit solitary confinement to four hours for de-escalation purposes and during emergencies, while also requiring detainees to have at least 14 hours outside of their cells each day. The bill, which had 38 co-sponsors, passed with a 39-7 vote and will now go to the mayor for approval or veto. The resolution comes amid scrutiny over deaths at Rikers Island and could have a significant impact on the treatment of individuals in jails across the country.