SPRINGFIELD — A measure championed by State Senator Robert Peters aims to shed light on the use of restrictive housing, requiring the Illinois Department of Corrections to collect and publicly share data on how often and why people are placed in solitary confinement.

“Transparency is the foundation of accountability,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “By becoming more informed on how restrictive housing is used, we can ensure the system treats individuals fairly and humanely while holding our institutions to the highest standard of oversight.”

“Restrictive housing” is another phrase for solitary confinement – a form of housing that separates an individual in custody from the general population. The bill responds to growing concerns about the lack of publicly available data on solitary confinement practices in state facilities. Recent surveys conducted by the John Howard Association found that 42% of incarcerated individuals reported spending excess time in their cells, often not meeting the daily required minimum of two hours outside their sleeping area.

Under Peters’ measure, IDOC would be required to publish quarterly reports online detailing general trends, including demographic information, lengths of confinement, incidents of self-harm and access to health care in restrictive housing units.

“By passing this measure, we’re improving transparency and paving the way for reform that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment,” said Peters.

House Bill 4828 passed the Senate Monday.