Correctional Facility Disaster Preparedness Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 15, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and preparedness for major disasters within federal correctional facilities by requiring detailed reporting and incorporating broader expertise into oversight.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to submit annual reports to Congress detailing disaster damage at its facilities and contract prisons, including impacts on inmates and staff, costs, and corrective actions. It also expands the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) board to include diverse expertise and requires the NIC to hold public hearings on emergency preparedness in correctional facilities.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is crucial for ensuring the safety, health, and civil rights of incarcerated individuals and correctional staff during major disasters. They contend that current oversight and preparedness are insufficient, and detailed reporting, coupled with diverse expert input, will lead to more resilient and humane correctional systems.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the intent is good, the bill imposes additional administrative burdens and reporting requirements on the Bureau of Prisons without providing new funding, potentially diverting resources from other critical operational needs. Some may also question the necessity of expanding the NIC board, suggesting existing structures could be leveraged.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for a reader to evaluate its provisions within a short timeframe.
Section 3(a)
Annual Summary Report of Disaster Damage
This provision requires the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Director to submit an annual report to specific Congressional committees, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and the Department of Justice Inspector General. The report must detail physical damage from 'major disasters' at BOP facilities and contract prisons, explaining the effects on inmates and staff. This includes data on injuries, access to essential services (medical care, food, water, hygiene), early release decisions, visitation access, accommodations for individuals with disabilities, educational/work programs, inmate grievances, cost assessments, and impacts on staffing and resources.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is essential for accountability, providing Congress and oversight bodies with critical data to understand the true impact of disasters on federal correctional facilities. This transparency will drive necessary improvements in emergency preparedness and response, protecting vulnerable populations and staff.
Critics contend
Critics may contend that the extensive reporting requirements could strain BOP resources, potentially diverting personnel and funds from direct operational needs or immediate disaster response efforts. They might argue that existing internal reporting mechanisms, if improved, could achieve similar goals with less external burden.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the need for greater transparency and accountability with the administrative burden placed on the Bureau of Prisons. While detailed reporting can highlight deficiencies and drive improvements, it requires significant effort and resources from the agency.
Section 3(b), 3(c), 3(d)
Corrective Action Plans and Legislative Recommendations
Beyond reporting damage, the bill requires the BOP's annual report to include a corrective action plan to improve and modernize emergency preparedness for natural disasters, extreme weather, and public health emergencies, along with a timeline for implementation. It also mandates specific legislative recommendations to Congress for further improvements. Furthermore, within 90 days of enactment, the BOP Director must appoint an official responsible for executing this corrective action plan.
Section 4
National Institute of Corrections Board Expansion and Field Hearings
This section amends existing law to increase the number of members on the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) board from 10 to 14. It specifies that four new members must have diverse backgrounds: one with experience as a formerly incarcerated individual or advocate, one as an emergency response coordinator with accreditation program experience, one with a public health background in communicable diseases, and one representing the labor union for BOP employees. Additionally, the NIC is required to conduct at least one public field hearing within one year of the bill's enactment, focusing on how correctional facilities can integrate best practices into their emergency preparedness and recovery efforts, covering topics like inmate access to care, early release considerations, visitation, disability accommodations, and federal funding use.