BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — In 2021, former Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Human Alternatives to Long Term Solitary Confinement (HALT) Act into law, restricting solitary confinement for vulnerable individuals in New York prisons.

New York’s Department of Corrections has temporarily suspended parts of the HALT Act in response to ongoing correction officer strikes. The move comes as prisons struggle with staffing shortages, prompting the National Guard to step in.

The state has temporarily suspended parts of the HALT Act, a law limiting how long an inmate can be placed in solitary confinement.

As New York correction officers continue their strike, state lawmakers remain split over prison staffing reforms and the controversial HALT Act, which limits solitary confinement. While some legislators signal willingness to address staffing and retirement concerns, deep divisions persist on whether to repeal or amend HALT.

An independent mediator has been assigned to help resolve the prison guard strikes across New York State. The mediation sessions will occur for three days and are scheduled from February 25 through 27.

Wednesday marked day three of the protests that are happening at correctional facilities all over New York over working conditions for corrections officers.