Caroline Upthegrove (ORU)
Solitary confinement is defined as confinement of more than 20 hours a day. In the State of Oklahoma, authorities can use solitary confinement to punish a prisoner in state or private prisons. However, Rep. Carter saw the need to reform and wrote OSU-002 as a response. The bill requires that the prisoner, not in a select category, cannot remain in solitary confinement for more than 72 hours in two weeks. Additionally, the prisoner must be able to see the day and night cycle at all times, physically. Floor Leader Bluth was on the proponency side and saw the value in OSU-022. Bluth argued that the bill has multiple positive points, such as promoting a regular circadian rhythm and mental health.
“By passing this bill, we are allowing for a more human argument to come out and allow the prisoners to see the sun to regulate circadian rhythm,” Bluth exclaimed.
According to Healthline magazine, circadian rhythm helps keep control of a person’s sleep and wake times. Circadian rhythm is influenced by the outside environment, such as day and night. Therefore, Bluth pointed out that the window would allow a prisoner’s body to circulate better. However, in the House, debate was called, and multiple representatives were on the opponent’s side. Rep. Pritzlaff believed there were serious problems with the definitions in the bill.
“My main problem with this bill is the lack of definition for serious bodily harm. There will be an abuse of power.” Pritzlaff explained.
Pritzlaff believes that because of the lack of definition, legal authorities might abuse their power. Pritzlaff reasoned the definitions should be modified to have the bill be more specific. Aside from proponency and opponency, there were amendments striking section four for penalties. The House passed two amendments providing rewording in section three. The bill went through several intense rounds of questions and a debate. Ultimately, OSU-002 passed in the House with a vote of 22 in the affirmative and 10 in the negative.
References:
Silver, N. (2020, July 13). Circadian Rhythm: What It Is, How it Works, and More. Retrieved
November 14, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy
-sleep/circadian-rhythm