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Bill

B 26-0028

Eliminating Restrictive and Segregated Enclosures (“ERASE”) Solitary Confinement Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Brianne Nadeau

DC bill restricts solitary confinement in prisons to reduce psychological harm and improve rehabilitation outcomes, but raises operational concerns about facility safety and housing alternatives.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety
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Bill Summary · B 26-0028

Legislative bill overview

The ERASE Solitary Confinement Act of 2025 would restrict or eliminate the use of solitary confinement in District of Columbia correctional facilities. The bill aims to reduce the use of segregated housing units, which isolate incarcerated individuals for extended periods, typically as punishment or for protective custody.

Why is this important

Solitary confinement affects hundreds of incarcerated people in DC facilities and has documented psychological and physical health consequences, including increased rates of mental illness, self-harm, and suicide. The bill reflects a growing national consensus among criminal justice reformers, medical professionals, and some correctional administrators that solitary confinement is counterproductive to rehabilitation and public safety goals.

Potential points of contention

  • Facility safety concerns: Correctional officials may argue that segregated housing is necessary to protect staff and other incarcerated individuals from violent behavior, and that restrictions could compromise security
  • Practical implementation: Questions about where to house individuals deemed dangerous, how to manage conflicts between incarcerated people, and whether facilities have adequate alternative housing or programming
  • Definitional scope: Disagreement over what constitutes "solitary confinement" versus legitimate protective custody, administrative segregation, or other separation practices, and what timeframe triggers restrictions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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