Hoosier State Today

The Federal Prison Oversight Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at strengthening federal prison oversight, has passed the U.S. Senate and is now headed to the President's desk for enactment into law. Sponsored by Senator Mike Braun, Senator Jon Ossoff, and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin, the legislation mandates comprehensive inspections of the Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) 122 correctional facilities by the Department of Justice’s Inspector General (IG).

The bill requires the IG to conduct risk-based inspections, provide recommendations for addressing issues, and assign risk scores to each facility. Higher-risk facilities will be subject to more frequent inspections. Additionally, the IG must report findings and recommendations to Congress and the public, while the BOP must respond with corrective action plans within 60 days.

An independent Ombudsman will also be established under this bill to investigate matters related to health, safety, welfare, and rights of prisoners and staff. The Ombudsman will create a secure hotline and online form for complaints and inquiries.

Co-sponsors of the bill include Senators Joe Manchin (I-WV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Tim Kaine (D-VA). In the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA-07) and Congressman Kelly Armstrong (R-ND-AL) introduced and led a companion bipartisan bill with nearly 40 co-sponsors. The House passed its version last month.

Senator Ossoff stated: "More transparency and accountability will create a safer environment for correctional officers and staff who work in our federal prisons as well as the inmates incarcerated in them." He emphasized that this bill does not permit Department of Justice intervention in state or local jails but aims to improve conditions in federal facilities.

The Council of Prison Locals expressed gratitude towards Senators Braun, Durbin, and Ossoff for their leadership on this legislation. The council highlighted that it would bring transparency to working conditions within federal prisons by identifying staffing inadequacies.

Senator Durbin noted: "Restoring integrity to the Bureau of Prisons and addressing mismanagement in correctional facilities is a top priority." He added that he looks forward to President Biden signing the bill into law.

Senator Manchin commented on recent reports highlighting abuses and dangerous conditions in federal prisons: "This commonsense legislation is especially important after serious reports... I fought hard to secure a much-needed pay raise for staff at Federal Correctional Complex Hazelton."

Senator Capito shared her concerns about misconduct by prison officials: "Investigations into our Federal prisons produced shocking findings... I encourage the president to sign it promptly into law."

Senator Kaine remarked on improving oversight following stories of abuse: "We need to take steps to ensure health and safety... I urge President Biden to sign it into law quickly."

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