What is the HALT Act? The Talking Point Law That’s Part of the Correction Officer Strike
The HALT Act, or Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement, is a law that went into effect in 2022, aiming to limit the use of solitary confinement in New York State prisons. The law prohibits the use of solitary confinement for individuals over the age of 55, under the age of 21, with a disability, or who are pregnant.
The Law’s Rationale
Supporters of the HALT Act argue that it is a humane alternative to reduce violence in prisons and that solitary confinement causes more harm than good. According to Jerome Wright, co-director of the #HALTsolitary Campaign, who was incarcerated for 32 years, the law is necessary to prevent the devastating harm and death caused by solitary confinement, which worsens safety for everyone.
The Correction Officer’s Perspective
However, correction officers are calling for the reversal of the HALT Act, claiming that it has led to a lack of consequences and punishments in prisons. According to Republican Congressman Nick Langworthy, the law has taken away the ability of correction officers to enforce the rules and disincentivize bad behavior, resulting in a lack of discipline and respect for authority.
The Consequences of the Law
According to state documents, assaults by inmates on staff have increased significantly since the law went into effect. In 2022, there were nearly 1,500 assaults, which increased to 1,671 in 2023 and over 2,000 in 2024.
What’s Next?
Repealing the HALT Act is not a simple process, as it would require legislation and is not something that Governor Kathy Hochul can do unilaterally. Langworthy has called for the state legislature to go into an emergency session to repeal the law, while union representative Kenny Gold has suggested that Hochul could use her emergency powers to suspend it.
Other Demands of the Workers
In addition to reversing the HALT Act, correction officers are demanding higher staffing levels, mandated body scans for visitors, scans of incoming mail to inmates, a $5,000 bonus for new employees, and no overtime mandates over 16 hours.
Conclusion
The HALT Act is a complex issue with different perspectives from both supporters and critics. While it aims to reduce violence in prisons and prevent harm caused by solitary confinement, correction officers argue that it has led to a lack of consequences and punishments, resulting in a decrease in discipline and respect for authority. As the strike continues, it is clear that this issue will be a key point of contention in the negotiations.
FAQs
- What is the HALT Act?
- The HALT Act, or Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement, is a law that went into effect in 2022, aiming to limit the use of solitary confinement in New York State prisons.
- What are the provisions of the HALT Act?
- The law prohibits the use of solitary confinement for individuals over the age of 55, under the age of 21, with a disability, or who are pregnant.
- Why are correction officers demanding the reversal of the HALT Act?
- Correction officers argue that the law has taken away their ability to enforce the rules and disincentivize bad behavior, resulting in a lack of discipline and respect for authority.
- What are the consequences of the HALT Act?
- According to state documents, assaults by inmates on staff have increased significantly since the law went into effect.
