Correctional Facility Disaster Preparedness Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- S. 3664
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Emergency Management
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-15: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-10T00:52:58Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S. 3664: Correctional Facility Disaster Preparedness Act of 2026
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill aims to improve oversight and preparedness for disasters affecting federal correctional facilities by requiring the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to provide annual reports on damage from major disasters. It also seeks to strengthen emergency planning through updates to the National Institute of Corrections (NIC).
Key Provisions Outlined
- Annual Reporting Requirement: The BOP Director must submit an annual summary report to specific Senate and House committees, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and the Department of Justice Inspector General. The report details physical damage from major disasters (defined as presidentially declared events or BOP-determined natural disasters, extreme weather, or public health emergencies) at BOP facilities and contract prisons. It must cover:
- Data on injuries and deaths among inmates and staff.
- Access to medical care, food, water, protective equipment, and hygiene items.
- Information on early release or home confinement decisions, including approvals, denials, and reasons.
- Access to legal visits and general visitation, with explanations for any suspensions.
- Accommodations for inmates with disabilities.
- Access to education and work programs.
- Inmate grievances.
- Damage costs and repair estimates.
- Effects on staffing, equipment, and budgets.
- Broader impacts on health, safety, and civil rights.
- Corrective Action Plan: Each report must include a plan for improving disaster preparedness, with a timeline for implementation.
- Legislative Recommendations: The report must suggest specific changes to federal law for better emergency planning.
- Appointment of Official: Within 90 days of enactment, the BOP Director must designate an official to oversee the corrective action plan.
- Amendments to the National Institute of Corrections: The bill expands the NIC board from 10 to 14 members and adds four new positions focused on formerly incarcerated individuals or advocates, emergency management, public health (especially communicable diseases), and labor union representation for BOP employees.
- Field Hearing Requirement: The NIC must hold at least one public hearing within one year of enactment to discuss incorporating best practices for medical access, releases, visitation, disability accommodations, funding for repairs, and risk management into correctional emergency plans.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
The legislation creates a new mandatory annual reporting system for BOP disaster impacts, which did not previously exist in this form. It amends section 4351 of title 18, United States Code, to increase the NIC board size and add specialized members. It also imposes a new requirement for the NIC to conduct public field hearings on emergency preparedness.
Potential Impacts on Government Agencies, Citizens, or International Relations
- Government Agencies: Increases reporting and oversight burdens on the BOP, with involvement from congressional committees, GAO, and the DOJ Inspector General. The NIC gains new board members and hearing duties, potentially influencing broader correctional policy.
- Citizens: May lead to better protections for inmates and staff during disasters by highlighting gaps in access to care, releases, and programs, though it does not directly alter individual rights.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified in the bill.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- The Bureau of Prisons and its contract prisons.
- Inmates and correctional staff.
- Congressional committees on appropriations, judiciary, and homeland security.
- The Government Accountability Office and DOJ Inspector General.
- The National Institute of Corrections and its board.
- Labor unions representing BOP employees.
- Advocates for incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individuals.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill focuses on administrative reporting and planning requirements without raising apparent constitutional concerns. It emphasizes civil rights protections in corrections during emergencies and promotes transparency through public hearings and recommendations to Congress. Politically, it expands stakeholder input on the NIC board to include labor and public health perspectives.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-15: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2026-01-15: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Correctional Facility Disaster Preparedness Act of 2026 — issued 2026-01-15 — PDF (6 pages)