A significant vote on criminal justice reform took place during the Maine Legislature's Criminal Justice and Public Safety meeting on April 2, 2025. Lawmakers discussed a proposed amendment to LD 405, which aimed to strike the term "solitary confinement" from existing statutes.

Representative Vardell introduced the motion to amend the bill, which was seconded by Senator Cyrwey. The amendment's primary focus was to remove references to solitary confinement, a contentious issue in discussions about prison reform and inmate treatment. The proposal sparked debate among legislators, with some expressing concerns about the implications of eliminating the term from legal language.

As the meeting progressed, lawmakers prepared to vote on the amendment. The discussion highlighted the complexities surrounding the use of solitary confinement in the state’s correctional facilities. While some members supported the amendment, others voiced their opposition, indicating a divide on how best to address the treatment of inmates.

The meeting concluded with a call for a brief recess before the vote, underscoring the importance of the decision at hand. The outcome of this vote could have significant implications for the future of inmate rights and the approach to solitary confinement in Maine's correctional system.