New York City Council and Mayor Adams Reach Impasse Over Solitary Confinement

Administration officials and proponents of criminal justice reform disagree fiercely about the sequester of prisoners at Rikers Island and other municipal jails.The City Council of New York is bracing itself for a judicial battle with Mayor Eric Adams should the solitary confinement ban that the council overrode the mayor’s veto not take effect on July 28 as planned. With the backing of the majority of council members and the sponsorship of Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Bill 549-A forbids the use of solitary confinement on Rikers Island and in other city jails, requiring inmates to spend at least 14 hours a day with members of the general population. Additionally, it aims to safeguard prisoners’ right to due process before jail administrators can place