AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave initial approval Tuesday to a proposal sponsored by Rep. Grayson Lookner, D-Portland, to define solitary confinement as a means of better understanding its use in Maine's correctional facilities. The proposal was advanced by a vote of 78-58.
LD 696, as amended, defines solitary confinement as confining an inmate, alone in a cell or room, for more than 22 hours within a 24-hour period.
"After discussion in the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, it was evident that there is no official definition for solitary confinement used by the Maine Department of Corrections," said Lookner. "In order to continue conversations on the matter, we need to establish the clarity that an official definition will provide. This proposal will ensure greater transparency, and that the committee and members of our state corrections are on the same page when we discuss this inhumane method of punishment."
Lookner, who represents a portion of Portland, is serving his first term in the Maine House of Representatives and is a member of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Lookner], c. 812-1111