OMH and DOCS have asked the legislature to make modifications to the SHU Exclusion Law before the legislative session ends on June 20. The SHU Law was signed in January 2008 and is scheduled to become effective on July 1, 2011. It is outrageous for OMH and DOCS to propose modifications to this law at the last minute. They have had more than 3 years to propose these changes. By pressing the legislature for them now, OMH and DOCS are denying an open and full debate about these changes.

Please encourage the Assembly and Senate to oppose any changes to the SHU Exclusion Law before the end of the legislative session. Ask that the legislature require OMH and DOCS to implement the law as written on July 1.   If OMH and DOCS believe that changes to the law are needed, they should present detailed information to the legislature and the public as to why they believe such changes are required.

Please call the legislators listed below and tell them:

“I am a member [or supporter] of Mental Health Alternatives to Solitary Confinement, and I oppose any changes to the SHU Exclusion Law. This law protects people with mental illness who are in prison and is a critical limit on the use of solitary confinement in New York State prison. Please stand behind the law and oppose any eleventh hour amendments.”

Assemblyman Jeff Aubry, Chair, Committee on Correction

518-455-4561

Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, Chair, Committee on Mental Health

518-455-3821

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver

518-455-3791

Senator Michael Nozzolio, Chair, Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction

518-455-2366

Senator Roy McDonald, Chair, Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities

518-455-2381

Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos

518-455-3171

Thanks for your support!