Pay Our Correctional Officers Fairly Act

Bill Number: H.R. 4008
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Government Operations and Politics
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-06-12: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Last Updated: 2026-03-03T09:05:29Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "Pay Our Correctional Officers Fairly Act" (H.R. 4008) aims to increase locality pay rates for certain employees of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) whose official worksites are in the "Rest of U.S." pay locality. This locality covers areas not included in specific urban or regional pay zones, often rural or less populated regions. The goal is to align their pay more closely with nearby higher-cost areas to promote fairness and support recruitment and retention.

Key Provisions

Amendment to Locality Pay Rules: The bill amends Section 5304 of Title 5, United States Code, which governs federal employee pay adjustments based on local cost of living (locality pay).
It redesignates the existing subsection (i) as (j) and adds a new subsection (i).
Deeming Worksite Location: For BOP employees in the "Rest of U.S." locality, their official worksite is treated as if it is in the nearest other pay locality.
If multiple pay localities are within 200 miles, it uses the one with the highest comparability payment (an adjustment for local living costs).
This does not apply if no other pay locality is within 200 miles.
Inclusion of Employee Types: The term "employee" includes "prevailing rate employees" (federal workers paid under wage schedules based on local private-sector rates, such as some maintenance or trade roles).
Effective Date: The changes take effect for pay periods starting 180 days after the bill's enactment.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Under current law, employees in the "Rest of U.S." locality receive a standard, lower pay adjustment compared to specific localities (e.g., higher rates in cities like New York or San Francisco).
This bill introduces an exception specifically for BOP employees, overriding the default locality assignment to use a nearby higher-rate locality. This is the first targeted adjustment for BOP staff in this manner, potentially raising their pay without changing the broader federal pay system.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The BOP, part of the Department of Justice, may face increased personnel costs due to higher salaries, which could strain its budget and require additional federal funding. This might indirectly affect prison operations by improving staffing levels.
On Citizens: Primarily benefits BOP employees, such as correctional officers and support staff in remote facilities, by increasing their take-home pay to better reflect nearby living costs. It could help address shortages in these roles but has no direct impact on the general public or international relations.
Broader Effects: No notable effects on international relations; domestically, it may enhance prison security and operations in underserved areas by making jobs more competitive.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Bureau of Prisons Employees: Especially those in non-urban facilities (e.g., correctional officers, administrative staff, and prevailing rate workers), who stand to gain higher pay.
Federal Government and Taxpayers: The U.S. Department of Justice and Congress, as they manage the budget implications of increased federal salaries.
Unions and Advocacy Groups: Organizations representing federal law enforcement and correctional workers, who may support or influence similar reforms.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: The amendment fits within the existing framework of federal civil service laws (Title 5), providing a narrow exception without broadly altering pay equity rules. It ensures consistency by tying adjustments to verifiable distances and rates, reducing potential disputes.
Constitutional: No apparent issues; it aligns with Congress's authority over federal compensation and does not infringe on equal protection or due process, as it targets a specific agency for operational needs.
Political: Highlights bipartisan interest in supporting federal law enforcement (introduced by both Republican and Democratic co-sponsors). It could set a precedent for locality pay tweaks in other agencies facing staffing challenges, potentially influencing future budget debates on federal employee compensation.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14]

Cosponsors (15)

Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Lucas, Frank D. [R-OK-3], Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21], Rep. Lee, Laurel M. [R-FL-15], Rep. Moore, Riley M. [R-WV-2], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8], Rep. Turner, Michael R. [R-OH-10], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11], Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]

Recent Actions

2025-06-12: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
2025-06-12: Introduced in House
2025-06-12: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Pay Our Correctional Officers Fairly Act — issued 2025-06-12 — PDF (3 pages)