Summary
Requires the Bureau of Prisons to better track and prevent sexual harassment and assault by inmates against prison staff.
What problem does this solve?
A government report found that sexual harassment and assault by inmates against prison staff is a widespread problem. The Bureau of Prisons has not collected enough data or taken the recommended steps to fix it. This bill forces the Bureau to follow the report's recommendations and create new rules to protect its employees.
Who does this affect?
- Bureau of Prisons employees
- Incarcerated individuals in federal prisons
What does this bill do?
Implements inspector general recommendations
Requires the Bureau of Prisons to fully adopt all recommendations from a 2023 Inspector General report on inmate-on-staff sexual harassment and assault.
Creates new national standards
Directs the Attorney General to create a new rule with national standards for preventing, reducing, and punishing sexual harassment and assault by inmates against prison staff.
Requires new data analysis
Orders the Inspector General to analyze updated data on these incidents from fiscal years 2022 through 2025 and report the findings to Congress.
Mandates a report for non-compliance
Forces the Bureau of Prisons to explain to Congress if it fails to implement the recommendations on time and provide a new timeline for completion.
Analyzes current punishments
Requires the Inspector General's report to include an analysis of how inmates are currently punished for sexual harassment and assault in federal prisons.
What is the real world impact?
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Protects prison staff from harm
Aims to create a safer work environment for correctional officers and other Bureau of Prisons employees by forcing the agency to address inmate-on-staff sexual misconduct.
When does this start?
This bill sets multiple deadlines for different actions to be completed after it becomes law.
Implement inspector general recommendations
Within 90 days of the bill becoming law, the Bureau of Prisons must fully implement all recommendations from the 2023 Inspector General report.
Report to congress on delays
If the recommendations are not implemented within 90 days, the Bureau must submit a report to Congress explaining the failure and providing a new timeline.
New data analysis
Within 1 year after the recommendations are implemented, the Inspector General must analyze new data and provide it to Congress.
Create national standards
Within 1 year of receiving the Inspector General's analysis, the Attorney General must create a new rule with national standards for prevention and punishment.