March 2026 | Advocacy & Legislative Updates

This spring, IAHR's legislative campaigns in Virginia and Maryland are navigating critical turning points — and the work your support makes possible is more important than ever. Here is an honest look at where things stand, what it means, and what comes next.

Virginia: HB35 Did Not Advance — But Our Coalition Is Stronger Than Ever

In Virginia, HB35, IAHR's legislation to restrict the use of solitary confinement, did not advance during this session. While that outcome is disappointing, it does not represent a defeat. The coalition infrastructure, legislative relationships, and public awareness built through this process place us in a stronger position moving forward.

Interim Board Chair Kimberly Jenkins-Snodgrass played a central role in strengthening IAHR's presence throughout this effort, and Director of Community Engagement Natasha White — herself a survivor of four years in solitary confinement — has built a Virginia Coalition team that continues to grow rapidly. The momentum they have created is real and lasting.

Virginia legislators have a history of using the study bill pathway as a precursor to broader reform. IAHR has seen this approach work before, and we are prepared to engage it fully. Our immediate next steps include working with key committee members to shape the study's scope and timeline, convening a working group that includes advocates, subject-matter experts, and directly impacted individuals, and deepening base-building efforts across the Commonwealth so that when the study concludes, there is no question about the public and legislative will for change.

"The Virginia Coalition team continues to grow rapidly and is gaining momentum toward our ultimate goal: a passed bill and a new Virginia law." — Rev. Dr. Christopher L. Zacharias, Executive Director

Maryland: Senate Bill 908 and House Bill 1154 Gain Traction

In Maryland, IAHR's Senate bill on restrictive housing (SB908) received strong support during its committee hearing — a particularly meaningful outcome given the high volume of solitary confinement-related legislation introduced this session. That level of legislative attention is itself a testament to years of coalition-building and public education led by IAHR.

The Maryland progress reflects the coordinated work of Natasha White, IAHR volunteer Gwen Levi, and IAHR board members whose outreach and letters of support strengthened legislative engagement and coalition alignment. Like Virginia, Maryland's legislation has transitioned to a study bill phase. While this may slow the timeline toward statutory reform, it is a strategic step forward — one that strengthens the legislative record and sets the stage for comprehensive change.

What You Can Do

The path to ending prolonged solitary confinement in Virginia and Maryland runs through sustained advocacy, coalition strength, and public will. Here is how you can stay engaged:

• Sign up for IAHR's action alerts to be notified when your voice is needed
• Share IAHR's work within your faith community or professional network
• Support the Pen Pal and grievance assistance programs that keep us connected to people directly affected by these policies

This is long-term work — and every step forward matters. Thank you for being part of it.

Photo by Terry Granger on Unsplash