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HB 35

Restorative housing and isolated confinement; restrictions on use.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lamont Bagby and 5 co-sponsors

HB 35 restricts isolated confinement in Virginia prisons and mandates restorative housing alternatives with maintained contact and programming.

Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) (5-Y 2-N)
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Bill Summary · HB 35

Legislative bill overview

HB 35 restricts the use of isolated confinement in Virginia correctional facilities and establishes standards for "restorative housing" as an alternative disciplinary approach. The bill limits solitary confinement to specific circumstances and requires facilities to prioritize rehabilitative housing options that maintain human contact and programming access.

Why is this important

Solitary confinement has documented physical and mental health consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations. This bill directly affects roughly 30,000+ incarcerated individuals in Virginia's prison system and shapes how correctional facilities manage discipline, potentially reducing psychological harm while maintaining institutional safety.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and enforcement clarity: "Restorative housing" standards may be vague, creating implementation inconsistencies across facilities and potential cost disputes over what constitutes compliant housing alternatives.
  • Facility safety concerns: Correctional staff and administrators may argue that restricting isolation limits their ability to respond to dangerous situations, potentially affecting institutional security protocols.
  • Fiscal impact uncertainty: The Department of Planning and Budget's fiscal statement suggests potential infrastructure and operational costs; the subcommittee's 5-2 recommendation split indicates budget concerns persist among some legislators.

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

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