ALBANY, N.Y. — New York State Assembly Republicans are proposing changes to the state’s HALT Act, citing ongoing safety concerns and staffing shortages in correctional facilities.
Lawmakers and union representatives say the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision continues to face a staffing crisis following last year’s three-week wildcat strike over prison safety conditions.
A new bill introduced Monday would amend the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act. The proposal is based on recommendations from the HALT Committee, formed as part of a 2025 agreement between the state and the correctional officers’ union.
Proposed changes include expanding the types of behavior that could lead to segregated confinement, allowing short-term disciplinary confinement for repeat misconduct, and giving prison officials more flexibility in managing inmates and housing situations.
Supporters of the measure say current policies have made prisons less safe and more difficult to manage.
State officials report there are still about 4,600 correction officer vacancies statewide, with National Guard members continuing to assist in staffing facilities.
The proposed legislation must be approved by the state legislature before it can take effect.
