Pennsylvania HB 2059: An Act amending Title 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; providing for segregated confinement; and establishing the Segregated Confinement Hearing Review Board.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 2643
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 2059
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY KINKEAD, T. DAVIS, HILL-EVANS, HOHENSTEIN, MAYES,
SANCHEZ, CEPEDA-FREYTIZ, INGLIS AND WARREN, NOVEMBER 19, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, NOVEMBER 19, 2025
AN ACT
Amending Title 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in preliminary provisions, further
providing for definitions; providing for segregated
confinement; and establishing the Segregated Confinement
Hearing Review Board.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The definitions of "board" and "inmate" in
section 102 of Title 61 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes are amended to read:
§ 102. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this title shall
have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Board." [The] Except as provided for in Chapter 51
(relating to segregated confinement), the Pennsylvania Parole
Board.
* * *
"Inmate." [A] Except as provided for in Chapter 51, a person
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committed to a term of imprisonment or otherwise confined under
the custody of the Commonwealth or a county in a correctional
institution in accordance with law.
* * *
Section 2. Title 61 is amended by adding a chapter to read:
CHAPTER 51
SEGREGATED CONFINEMENT
Subchapter
A. Preliminary Provisions
B. Standards and Procedures
C. Oversight and Enforcement
D. Miscellaneous Provisions
SUBCHAPTER A
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
Sec.
5101. Scope of chapter.
5102. Definitions.
§ 5101. Scope of chapter.
This chapter relates to standards and procedures involv ing
segregated confinement of inmates in correctional facilities.
§ 5102. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter
shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Board." The Segregated Confinement Hearing Review Board
established under section 5132(a) (relating to Segregated
Confinement Hearing Review Board).
"Chief administrator." As follows:
(1) The warden, superintendent or other officer in
charge of a correctional facility.
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(2) The term includes a designee of the warden,
superintendent or other officer in charge of a correctional
facility.
"Correctional facility." Any of the following:
(1) A correctional institution.
(2) A facility that confines a child in accordance with
42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 63 (relating to juvenile matters).
(3) An institution that detains inmates in accordance
with Chapter 71 (relating to interstate compacts) or an
intergovernmental service agreement or other contract with a
Federal, State or county agency, including United States
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
"Disability." A physical, mental or medical impairment
resulting from any anatomical, physiological, genetic or
neurological condition that prevents the exercise of normal
bodily functions.
"Emergency segregated confinement." The segregated
confinement of an inmate if there is reasonable cause to believe
that the confinement is necessary for reducing a substantial
risk of imminent serious harm to the inmate or other
individuals.
"Inmate." An individual confined in a correctional facility.
"Member of a vulnerable population." An inmate who meets any
of the following conditions:
(1) Is less than 21 years of age.
(2) Is 55 years of age or older.
(3) Is pregnant or in the postpartum recovery period.
(4) Has recently suffered a miscarriage or terminated a
pregnancy.
(5) Identifies as or is perceived to be lesbian, gay,
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bisexual, transgender, intersex or gender nonconforming.
(6) Is a person with a disability.
"Person with a disability." An individual who has a
disability and meets any of the following conditions:
(1) Has a mental health diagnosis.
(2) Is, or has been within the past year, on the mental
health caseload or roster or has, or had within the past
year, a mental health rating or classification.
(3) Has been housed within a mental health unit within a
correctional facility.
(4) Has, or had within the past year, an intellectual,
developmental or cognitive diagnosis.
(5) Has, or had within the past year, a physical
disability diagnosis or mobility impairment diagnosis.
(6) Has a sensory disability diagnosis.
(7) Has a traumatic brain injury or organic brain
syndrome.
(8) Is p regnant, in the postpartum recovery period,
experiencing a miscarriage or in the process of terminating a
pregnancy.
(9) Is caring for the individual's child while in a
correctional facility in accordance with State law.
"Postpartum recovery period." The 12-week period, or longer
if determined medically necessary, after giving birth to a
child.
"Representative." As follows:
(1