New York restricts use of solitary confinement, limits it to 15 consecutive days

ALBANY, N.Y. — Following a yearslong push, New York is limiting the use of solitary confinement in state and local correctional facilities and banning the practice altogether for some inmates. The Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act, known as HALT, prevents inmates from being held in solitary confinement for more than 15 consecutive days, or 20 days total in any 60-day period. It also bans solitary for those with mental or physical disabilities, pregnant women or those in the first eight weeks of postpartum recovery, as well as people under 21 or older than 55. Gov. Andre...