Solitary confinement is one of the most severe and destructive practices used in detention facilities. The World Health Organization, United Nations, and other international bodies have recognized solitary confinement as greatly harmful and potentially fatal. People with disabilities, pregnant people, youth, and the elderly are all at heightened risk from the harm caused by solitary confinement inside jails, prisons, and immigrant detention centers in California.

The solution is AB 2632, which:

• Bans solitary confinement for specific populations including
  • Individuals with certain mental, physical and developmental disabilities
  • Pregnant people
  • People under 26 or over 59 years old
• Sets limits for confinement to not more than 15 consecutive days, or 20 days total in any 60-day period
• Requires facilities to keep clear records on the use of solitary confinement in order to provide public transparency

Background:

In May of 2020, Mr. Choung Woong Ahn, a 74 year old Korean man took his own life after being placed in solitary confinement during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, in violation of the facility’s own protocols related to mental health and welfare.

Mr. Ahn’s tragedy set in motion a coalition between disability and civil rights organizations to create this legislation and achieve a solution.

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Informational Video:

Speakers illustrate why the practice of solitary confinement is a disability justice issue and share stories of those who experienced or lost their lives after being kept in solitary confinement for prolonged periods of time.

Please Note:
This video may contain triggering and/or sensitive material. Sexual violence, sexual assault, and abuse are some topics mentioned within this video. 

• CA Mandela Act Community Call - Spanish Version

Speakers:

• Pamila Lew, Senior Counsel, Investigations Unit, Disability Rights California
• Richard Diaz, Senior Attorney, Investigations Unit, Disability Rights California
• Eric Harris, Director of Public Policy, Disability Rights California
• Vanessa Ramos, Community Organizer, Legislation & Communication Practice Group
• Lisa Knox, Legal Director, California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice

AB 2632 Cosponsors: