Establishes the restrictive housing oversight committee ("committee") for the purpose of monitoring the use of restrictive housing ("solitary confinement"), as well as disciplinary and administrative confinement at the department of corrections.

Rhode Island Restrictive Housing Oversight Act

This bill would create a new oversight committee in Rhode Island specifically focused on monitoring how the state's Department of Corrections uses restrictive housing — more commonly known as solitary confinement. Restrictive housing refers to situations where incarcerated individuals are isolated from the general prison population, either as a disciplinary measure (punishment for rule violations) or for administrative reasons (such as protective custody). The committee's job would be to watch over and track how, when, and why these practices are used within Rhode Island correctional facilities.

The bill would affect incarcerated individuals in Rhode Island state facilities, as well as Department of Corrections staff and leadership. People held in solitary confinement or similar isolated conditions would be the most directly impacted, as the committee would monitor their treatment and the conditions under which they are confined. The oversight committee would likely include members from various backgrounds — potentially including government officials, advocacy representatives, and corrections experts — though the exact makeup would be defined in the full legislation.

The goal of creating this committee is to increase transparency and accountability around a practice that has drawn attention from researchers, policymakers, and advocates across the country. By formally tracking how restrictive housing is used, the committee could provide data and recommendations to lawmakers and corrections officials. Currently, the bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee, which recommended it be held for further study, meaning it has not yet advanced toward becoming law.