NY To Set New Rules For Solitary Confinement In Local Jails

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York is poised to adopt new standards for the treatment of prisoners held in solitary confinement in local jails.

The state's Commission on Corrections is expected to approve the new rules Tuesday. The changes come at the urging of Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The new regulations will mandate that all prisoners held in solitary at local jails get at least four hours of time outside their cell each day.

The rules also require local authorities to tell the state whenever a prisoner under 18 is placed in solitary or when an inmate is held in solitary for more than a month.

Cuomo says the standards will create consistent rules and prevent prisoner mistreatment.

The state has already implemented changes to reduce the use of solitary confinement in state facilities.