2022 PROTECT Act Public Hearing

On March 25th, 2022, the Judiciary Committee held a public hearing for the PROTECT Act (SB 459). Dozens of individuals, including directly impacted individuals, civil rights leaders, faith leaders, correctional leaders, and legal experts, submitted testimony in support of the PROTECT Act. You can view a recording of the hearing here. You can find a list of written testimony in support the PROTECT Act here.

Testimony from Incarcerated People

Many currently incarcerated individuals were brave enough to submit testimony for the public hearing, sharing devastating stories of loss and describing the the horrors of solitary confinement. In addition to the testimonies linked below, testimonies from other incarcerated individuals can be found in this powerful article from the CT Mirror.

Testimony from Experts and Other Impacted Individuals

Experts ranging from the former UN Special Rapporteur on Torture to corrections and medical professionals testified in support of the PROTECT Act. So did family members of currently and formerly incarcerated individuals, who have witnessed firsthand how solitary confinement has traumatized their loved ones. These individuals demonstrated a broad range of support for SB 459 and collectively illustrate why solitary confinement is NOT a necessary correctional tool.

Testimony from Organizations

For more perspectives on why Connecticut must end its use of solitary confinement, read testimony submitted in support of the 2021 PROTECT Act here.