Federal Prison Oversight Act

Federal Prison Oversight Act

This act establishes an inspections regime for the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).

The Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General must conduct risk-based evaluations of BOP facilities.

An inspection of a facility may be announced or unannounced. Higher risk facilities must receive more frequent inspections.

The bill (1) provides for the establishment in DOJ of an ombudsman who may receive complaints, make inquiries and recommend actions, and decline to investigate or take action, as specified; and (2) prohibits BOP retaliation against any person or entity that has instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding, investigation, or inspection under this act.

The ombudsman shall coordinate with the BOP to educate incarcerated people, their representatives, and the public about the existence and functions of the ombudsman.

This act becomes effective 90 days after appropriations are made available to DOJ and the DOJ Office of Inspector General for the specific purpose of carrying out this act. On and after such effective date, BOP must ensure that non-custody correctional employees spend 90% of their work week in their primary positions.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov