Corrections: solitary confinement.

Assembly Member Ortega's proposal for a comprehensive study of solitary confinement practices across California detention facilities directs the Department of Justice to collect detailed data on every instance of isolation lasting 17 hours or more per day during the first nine months of 2026.

The legislation requires all state and local detention facilities to report specific information about each use of solitary confinement, including duration, location, stated rationale, and conditions of confinement. Facilities must document demographic details of affected individuals and track related incidents such as self-harm, deaths, use of force, and additional disciplinary measures. The Department of Justice must publish monthly interim findings and deliver a final analysis to the Governor and Legislature by November 1, 2026.

The bill defines key terms to ensure consistent data collection, including "meaningful human interaction" as sustained, direct communication conducted without physical barriers, and "detention facilities" as encompassing all jails, prisons, and private detention centers operating in California. Personal identifying information is protected from disclosure in public reports. The provisions would expire on January 1, 2028, unless extended by subsequent legislation.

Local agencies may receive state reimbursement for costs associated with the new reporting requirements if the Commission on State Mandates determines the bill imposes state-mandated expenses. Implementation depends on legislative appropriation of necessary funding.