Change is how we protect our people—and bring them home

We push for changes that ends abuse, expands oversight, challenges death-by-incarceration sentences, and stops environmental harm behind prison walls. Our strategy is led by directly impacted people and powered by organized families.

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What is Moving Now?

Real fights are happening right now in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. Follow the official actions, read credible coverage, and share what’s at stake with your community.

HB 150: Medical Release (Compassionate Release)

Pennsylvania’s medical release system is being updated so seriously ill and aging incarcerated people can petition for release with clearer standards and timelines. HB 150 passed the Pennsylvania House (111–92) and is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Track HB 150 (Official)
Read PA House release

Prison Oversight is Now in Motion

Philadelphia voters approved the creation of an independent Prison Community Oversight Board and an Office of Prison Oversight—a major step toward transparency, accountability, and protection of human rights in city jails.

Read the Ballot Question
See What Voters Approved

HB 2059: Solitary Confinement (Mandela Rules for PA)

Status: Pending in House Judiciary Committee (Introduced Nov. 19, 2025)

HRC supported’s HB 2059 would establish comprehensive rules for segregated confinement and create a Segregated Confinement Hearing Review Board.

Join Stop Solitary Campaign
Track HB2059
Read the Full Bill Text (PDF)

Statewide Oversight: Ombudsman Proposal

HRC is developing a Ombudsman Agency campaign to create a statewide oversight mechanism so incarcerated people and families have a clear, independent pathway for complaints, investigations, and accountability.

Join the Ombudsman Campaign

Our Priorities

  • End Long-Term Solitary



    Solitary confinement is torture. We support limits and protections that end long-term isolation.

    Bills: HB 2059

  • End Death By Incarceration / Second Chances


    We push parole and sentencing reforms that create real pathways to release—especially for people sentenced to die in prison and people sentenced when they were youth.

    Focus: Parole + Sentencing reform

  • Oversight & Accountability (Inside Systems)


    Independent oversight saves lives. We advance structures that investigate harm, expose patterns, and enforce accountability—at the city level and statewide.

  • Toxic Prisons + Environmental Health

    We fight environmental violence behind the walls and demand safe conditions. Our Toxic Prison Campaign combines research, organizing, and legislative pressure for closures and accountability.

When we apply pressure together, the system moves.

Help us make HB 2059 Law. Call or Email Your Legislator.

(Click to read the call/script below)

Take Action Now

  • "Hi, my name is [Your Name] and I’m a constituent from [Your Town/Zip Code].

    I’m calling today to urge Representative [Name] to support House Bill 2059, also known as the Mandela Rules bill. This legislation is a critical step in ending the torture of prolonged solitary confinement in Pennsylvania.

    The bill is currently in the House Judiciary Committee, and I am asking the Representative to reach out to Chair Tim Briggs to ensure HB 2059 is placed on the agenda for a vote during the February session.

    Solitary confinement causes permanent psychological harm and makes our communities less safe. We need the protections in HB 2059 for our most vulnerable neighbors.

    Can you tell me if the Representative currently supports this bill?"

  • Subject: Support for HB 2059 (Mandela Rules for Solitary Confinement)

    Dear Representative [Name],

    I am writing as a constituent to urge you to support HB 2059, which would bring Pennsylvania’s use of solitary confinement in line with international human rights standards (the Mandela Rules).

    Currently, the bill is in the House Judiciary Committee. I am asking you to speak with Chair Tim Briggs to ensure this bill is placed on the agenda for a voting meeting during the February session. Solitary confinement is a practice that causes irreversible psychological harm and makes our communities less safe by hindering successful reentry.

    It is time for Pennsylvania to lead with a more humane and effective justice system. Please let me know where you stand on this legislation.

    Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address]

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