Summary:
Solitary Confinement Study and Reform Act of 2014 - Establishes the National Solitary Confinement Study and Reform Commission, which shall carry out a comprehensive legal and factual study of the penological, physical, mental, medical, social, fiscal, and economic impacts of solitary confinement in the United States on: (1) federal, state, and local governments; and (2) communities and social institutions.

Directs the Commission to report report its findings within two years after its initial meeting, including recommended national standards for significantly reducing the use of solitary confinement in the nation's prisons, jails, and juvenile detention facilities. Prohibits the Commission from proposing a standard that would impose substantial additional costs.

Directs the Attorney General, within two years after receiving the Commission's report, to: (1) publish a final rule adopting national standards for the reduction of solitary confinement; and (2) transmit the standards adopted to the appropriate state and local authorities who oversee operations in prisons, jails, or juvenile detention facilities. Makes the standards applicable to the Federal Bureau of Prisons immediately upon adoption of the final rule.

Provides for a 15% reduction in the funds a state would otherwise receive in a fiscal year under a criminal justice or juvenile justice grant program administered by the Attorney General unless the chief executive of the state or pertinent local government official: (1) certifies adoption of and compliance with such national standards, or (2) assures that not less than 5% of such amount shall be used only to enable the adoption of and compliance with such standards. Directs the Attorney General to publish an annual report listing each grantee that is not in compliance with the standards.

solitary confinement study reform_act establishes national solitary confinement study reform commission shall carry comprehensive legal factual study physical mental medical social fiscal economic impacts solitary confinement united_states federal state local governments communities social institutions directs commission report report findings years initial meeting including recommended national standards significantly reducing use solitary confinement nation prisons jails juvenile detention facilities prohibits commission proposing standard impose substantial additional costs directs attorney general years receiving commission report publish final rule adopting national standards reduction solitary confinement transmit standards adopted appropriate state local authorities oversee operations prisons jails juvenile detention facilities makes standards applicable federal_bureau_of_prisons immediately adoption final rule provides reduction funds state receive fiscal year criminal justice juvenile justice grant program administered attorney general chief executive state pertinent local government official certifies adoption compliance national standards assures shall enable adoption compliance standards directs attorney general publish annual report listing grantee compliance standards


Summary: Private Prison Information Act of 2014 - Subjects records relating to the operation of and prisoners in a prison or other correctional or detention facility that is owned or operated by a nongovernmental entity, state, or local government and that incarcerates or detains federal prisoners pursuant to a contract or agreement with a federal agency to the Freedom of Information Act in the same manner as records maintained by a federal agency operating a federal prison or detention facility.

private prison information act subjects records relating operation prisoners prison correctional detention facility owned operated nongovernmental entity state local government federal prisoners pursuant contract agreement federal agency freedom information act manner records maintained federal agency operating federal prison detention facility


Summary:
Smarter Sentencing Act of 2014 - (Sec. 2) Amends the federal criminal code to direct the court to impose a sentence for specified controlled substance offenses without regard to any statutory minimum sentence if the court finds that the defendant: (1) does not have more than two criminal history points; (2) has no prior convictions for any offense that has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against another; and (3) has not been convicted of a specified firearm offense, sex offense, federal crime of terrorism, or racketeering offense or of conspiring to use and invest illicit drug profits.

(Sec. 3) Authorizes a court that imposed a sentence for a crack cocaine possession or trafficking offense committed before August 3, 2010, on motion of the defendant, the Director of the Bureau of Prisons, the attorney for the government, or the court, to impose a reduced sentence as if provisions of the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 were in effect at the time such offense was committed, provided such sentence was not previously imposed or reduced under such Act or such a motion wasn't previously denied.

(Sec. 4) Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (CSIEA) to reduce mandatory minimum sentences for manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, possessing, importing, or exporting specified controlled substances.

(Sec. 5) Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and amend its guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of such an offense under the CSA and CSIEA to ensure consistency with this Act and to consider specified factors, including: (1) its mandate to formulate guidelines to minimize the likelihood that the federal prison population will exceed federal prison capacity; (2) fiscal implications of changes; (3) relevant public safety concerns; (4) the intent of Congress that severe sentences for violent, repeat, and serious drug traffickers who present public safety risks remain in place; and (5) the need to reduce and prevent racial disparities in sentencing. Requires the Commission to: (1) promulgate such guidelines, policy statements, or amendments by no later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and (2) make such conforming amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines as necessary to achieve consistency with other guideline provisions and applicable law.

(Sec. 6) Requires the Attorney General to report to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees on how the reduced expenditures on federal corrections and cost savings resulting from this Act will be used to help reduce overcrowding in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, increase investment in law enforcement and crime prevention, and reduce recidivism.

(Sec. 7) Directs the Attorney General to submit a report listing all criminal statutory offenses and including for each offense: (1) a list of the elements of the offense, (2) the potential criminal penalty for the offense, (3) the number of prosecutions for the offense brought by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in each of the 15 years preceding this Act's enactment, and (4) the mens rea requirement for the offense.

Requires the head of each of specified federal agencies to submit a report listing all criminal regulatory offenses enforceable by such agency and including for each offense: (1) the potential criminal penalty, (2) the number of violations referred to DOJ for prosecution in each of the 15 years preceding this Act's enactment, and (3) the mens rea requirement.

Requires the Attorney General and each agency head to establish a publicly accessible index of each such offense and make the index available and freely accessible on DOJ's and the agency's websites.

(Sec. 8) Amends the federal criminal code to establish a five-year minimum term of imprisonment for aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a minor or ward, and sexual abuse-related offenses resulting in death.

(Sec. 9) Provides for enhanced penalties for interstate domestic violence if a victim dies, if the victim is permanently disfigured or suffers a life threatening bodily injury, if serious bodily injury to the victim results, or if the offender uses a dangerous weapon during the offense.

(Sec. 10) Amends the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Trading with the Enemy Act to establish a five-year minimum term of imprisonment for certain unlawful acts involving: (1) the provision of defense articles or defense services to a state sponsor of terrorism, a foreign terrorist organization, or person on the list of specially designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury for an activity relating to support for international terrorism or the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; or (2) the exportation of goods or services to any person in connection with a program of a foreign country or foreign person to develop weapons of mass destruction.

Amends the Arms Export Control Act to establish a five-year minimum term of imprisonment for a criminal violation of such Act that involves the export of defense articles or defense services to: (1) a state sponsor of terrorism, (2) a foreign terrorist organization, (3) a person on the Office of Foreign Assets Control list, or (4) any person in connection with a program of a foreign country or foreign person to develop weapons of mass destruction.

Amends a federal criminal code prohibition against the smuggling of goods from the United States to establish a five-year minimum term of imprisonment if the merchandise, article, or object smuggled: (1) is a defense article and was exported or sent to a state sponsor of terrorism, a foreign terrorist organization, or person on the Office of Foreign Assets Control list; or (2) was exported or sent to any person in connection with a program of a foreign country or foreign person to develop weapons of mass destruction.

smarter sentencing act sec amends federal criminal code direct court impose sentence specified controlled substance offenses regard statutory minimum sentence court finds defendant criminal history points prior convictions offense element use attempted use threatened use physical force convicted specified firearm offense sex offense federal crime terrorism racketeering offense conspiring use invest illicit drug profits sec authorizes court imposed sentence crack cocaine possession trafficking offense committed august motion defendant director bureau_of_prisons attorney government court impose reduced sentence provisions fair sentencing act effect time offense committed provided sentence previously imposed reduced act motion previously denied sec amends controlled substances act csa controlled_substances_import_and_export_act csiea reduce mandatory minimum sentences manufacturing distributing dispensing possessing importing exporting specified controlled substances sec directs sentencing commission review amend guidelines policy statements applicable persons convicted offense csa csiea ensure consistency act consider specified factors including mandate formulate guidelines minimize likelihood federal prison population exceed federal prison capacity fiscal implications changes relevant public safety concerns intent congress severe sentences violent repeat drug traffickers present public safety risks remain place need reduce prevent racial disparities sentencing requires commission promulgate guidelines policy statements amendments later days date enactment act conforming amendments federal sentencing guidelines necessary achieve consistency guideline provisions applicable law sec requires attorney general report house senate judiciary_committees reduced expenditures federal corrections cost savings resulting act help reduce federal_bureau_of_prisons increase investment law enforcement crime prevention reduce recidivism sec directs attorney general submit report listing criminal statutory offenses including offense list elements offense potential criminal penalty offense number prosecutions offense brought department_of_justice doj years preceding act enactment requirement offense requires head specified federal agencies submit report listing criminal regulatory offenses enforceable agency including offense potential criminal penalty number violations referred doj prosecution years preceding act enactment requirement requires attorney general agency head establish publicly accessible index offense index available freely accessible doj agency websites sec amends federal criminal code establish year minimum term imprisonment aggravated sexual abuse sexual abuse sexual abuse minor ward sexual abuse related offenses resulting death sec provides enhanced penalties interstate domestic violence victim dies victim permanently suffers life threatening bodily injury bodily injury victim results offender uses dangerous weapon offense sec amends international_emergency_economic_powers_act trading enemy act establish year minimum term imprisonment certain unlawful acts involving provision defense articles defense services state sponsor terrorism foreign terrorist organization person list specially designated nationals blocked persons maintained office_of_foreign_assets_control_of_the_department_of_the_treasury activity relating support international terrorism proliferation weapons mass destruction exportation goods services person connection program foreign country foreign person develop weapons mass destruction amends arms_export_control_act establish year minimum term imprisonment criminal violation act involves export defense articles defense services state sponsor terrorism foreign terrorist organization person office_of_foreign_assets_control list person connection program foreign country foreign person develop weapons mass destruction amends federal criminal code prohibition smuggling goods united_states establish year minimum term imprisonment merchandise article object smuggled defense article exported sent state sponsor terrorism foreign terrorist organization person office_of_foreign_assets_control list exported sent person connection program foreign country foreign person develop weapons mass destruction


Summary:
Recidivism Reduction and Public Safety Act of 2014 - (Sec. 2) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) conduct a review of recidivism reduction programming and productive activities, including prison jobs, offered in correctional institutions; (2) conduct a survey to identify products currently manufactured overseas that could be manufactured by prisoners without reducing job opportunities for other U.S. workers; and (3) submit to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations and the Judiciary a strategic plan for the expansion of recidivism reduction programming and productive activities, including prison jobs, in Bureau of Prison facilities.

Amends the federal criminal code to direct the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to make available appropriate recidivism reduction programming or productive activities, including prison jobs, to all eligible prisoners and to assign such prisoners to such activities using the Post-Sentencing Risk and Needs Assessment System developed by the Attorney General. Defines "eligible prisoner" to mean a prisoner serving a sentence of incarceration for conviction of a federal offense, but excludes a prisoner whom the Bureau of Prisons determines: (1) is medically unable to successfully complete recidivism reduction activities, (2) would present a security risk if permitted to participate in such activities, or (3) is serving a sentence of incarceration of less than one month.

Directs the Attorney General to issue regulations requiring the official in charge of each correctional facility to enter into partnerships with nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community-based organizations, educational organizations, and private entities, to make recidivism reduction programming and productive activities available to eligible prisoners.

Grants eligibility to a prisoner who has successfully completed a recidivism reduction program or productive activity for time credits for each period of 30 days of successful completion of such a program or activity, except prisoners who have been convicted of certain federal crimes, including crimes involving terrorism, violence, or child exploitation. Sets forth criteria for determining whether a prisoner has successfully completed such a program or activity.

(Sec. 3) Requires the Attorney General to develop the Post-Sentencing Risk and Needs Assessment System for use by the Bureau of Prisons to: (1) assess and determine the recidivism risk level of all prisoners and classify each prisoner as having a low, moderate, or high risk of recidivism, (2) ensure that low-risk prisoners are grouped together in housing and assignment decisions, and (3) provide information on best practices. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) develop training protocols and programs for Bureau of Prisons officials and employees responsible for administering the System, and (2) monitor and assess the use of the System and conduct periodic audits of its use at Bureau of Prisons facilities.

(Sec. 4) Amends the federal criminal code to allow a prisoner: (1) a period of home confinement as part of a program of prerelease custody, not to exceed 10% of the prisoner's imposed sentence; (2) to enter into prerelease custody if such prisoner is classified as low or moderate risk; and (3) to serve a certain portion of his or her sentence on community supervision if such prisoner is classified as low risk, complies with all conditions of prerelease custody, remains current on financial obligations, and refrains from committing any federal, state, or local offense.

Prohibits the Director of the Bureau of Prisons from transferring a prisoner to prerelease custody if the prisoner has been sentenced to a term of incarceration of more than three years unless the Director gives six-month's prior notice to the sentencing court of such transfer.

(Sec. 5) Requires the Attorney General to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) activities and accomplishments of the Attorney General in carrying out this Act, an assessment of the status and use of the Post-Sentencing Risk and Needs Assessment System by the Bureau of Prisons, a summary and assessment of recidivism reduction programs operated by the Bureau of Prisons, and an assessment of budgetary saving resulting from this Act; (2) the status of prison work programs; (3) rates of recidivism; and (4) the effectiveness of recidivism reduction programs and activities offered to prisoners who are ineligible for time credits.

(Sec. 6) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) evaluate best practices used for the reentry of federal prisoners released from custody and report to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees on such evaluation; (2) select an appropriate number of federal judicial districts to conduct federal reentry demonstration projects using such best practices, and (3) report on the impact of reentry of prisoners on communities in which a disproportionate number of individuals reside upon release from incarceration.

Requires the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to: (1) notify the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) if a prisoner's presentence report indicates that the prisoner has previously served in the U.S. Armed Forces, and (2) provide VA with reasonable access to such prisoner to facilitate reentry.

(Sec. 7) Amends the federal criminal code to require a presentence report to include: (1) information about the defendant's history of substance abuse and addiction; (2) information about the defendant's service in the Armed Forces and veteran status; and (3) a detailed plan that the probation officer determines will reduce the likelihood that the defendant will abuse drugs or alcohol, will reduce the defendant's likelihood of recidivism by addressing the defendant's specific recidivism risk factors, and will assist the defendant in preparing for reentry into the community.

Requires the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to ensure that each prisoner eligible for substance abuse treatment completes treatment not later than one year prior to such prisoner's release date.

Requires the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to: (1) establish a five-year recidivism reduction and recovery enhancement pilot program, premised on high-intensity supervision and the use of sanctions for noncompliance with program rules; and (2) conduct an evaluation of the pilot program and report to Congress on the results of the evaluation. Sets forth requirements for participation in the pilot program.

recidivism reduction public safety act sec directs attorney general conduct review recidivism reduction programming productive activities including prison jobs offered correctional institutions conduct survey identify products currently manufactured overseas manufactured prisoners reducing job opportunities workers submit house senate_committees appropriations judiciary strategic plan expansion recidivism reduction programming productive activities including prison jobs bureau prison facilities amends federal criminal code direct director bureau_of_prisons available appropriate recidivism reduction programming productive activities including prison jobs eligible prisoners assign prisoners activities post sentencing risk needs assessment system developed attorney general defines eligible prisoner mean prisoner serving sentence incarceration conviction federal offense excludes prisoner bureau_of_prisons determines medically unable successfully complete recidivism reduction activities present security risk permitted participate activities serving sentence incarceration month directs attorney general issue regulations requiring official charge correctional facility enter partnerships nonprofit organizations including faith based community based organizations educational organizations private entities recidivism reduction programming productive activities available eligible prisoners grants eligibility prisoner successfully completed recidivism reduction program productive activity time credits period days successful completion program activity prisoners convicted certain federal crimes including crimes involving terrorism violence child exploitation sets forth criteria determining prisoner successfully completed program activity sec requires attorney general develop post sentencing risk needs assessment system use bureau_of_prisons assess determine recidivism risk level prisoners classify prisoner having low moderate high risk recidivism ensure low risk prisoners housing assignment decisions provide information best practices directs attorney general develop training protocols programs bureau_of_prisons officials employees responsible administering system monitor assess use system conduct periodic audits use bureau_of_prisons facilities sec amends federal criminal code allow prisoner period home confinement program custody exceed prisoner imposed sentence enter custody prisoner classified low moderate risk serve certain portion sentence community supervision prisoner classified low risk complies conditions custody remains current financial obligations committing federal state local offense prohibits director bureau_of_prisons transferring prisoner custody prisoner sentenced term incarceration years director gives month prior notice sentencing court transfer sec requires attorney general report specified congressional committees activities accomplishments attorney general carrying act assessment status use post sentencing risk needs assessment system bureau_of_prisons summary assessment recidivism reduction programs operated bureau_of_prisons assessment budgetary saving resulting act status prison work programs rates recidivism effectiveness recidivism reduction programs activities offered prisoners ineligible time credits sec directs attorney general evaluate best practices reentry federal prisoners released custody report house senate judiciary_committees evaluation select appropriate number federal judicial districts conduct federal reentry demonstration projects best practices report impact reentry prisoners communities disproportionate number individuals reside release incarceration requires director bureau_of_prisons notify secretary veterans_affairs prisoner report indicates prisoner previously served armed_forces provide reasonable access prisoner facilitate reentry sec amends federal criminal code require report include information defendant history substance abuse addiction information defendant service armed_forces veteran status detailed plan probation officer determines reduce likelihood defendant abuse drugs alcohol reduce defendant likelihood recidivism addressing defendant specific recidivism risk factors assist defendant preparing reentry community requires director bureau_of_prisons ensure prisoner eligible substance abuse treatment completes treatment later year prior prisoner release date requires administrative_office_of_the_united_states_courts establish year recidivism reduction recovery enhancement pilot program high intensity supervision use sanctions noncompliance program rules conduct evaluation pilot program report congress results evaluation sets forth requirements participation pilot program


Summary:
Federal Prison Reform Act of 2013 - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) develop a Post-Sentencing Risk and Needs Assessment System for use by the Bureau of Prisons; (2) develop recommendations regarding recidivism reduction programs and productive activities; (3) conduct ongoing research and data analysis to determine the best practices regarding the use of offender risk and needs assessment tools, the best available tools, the most effective and efficient uses of such tools, and which recidivism reduction programs are the most effective; and (4) review such System, recommendations, and research biennially to determine whether revisions or updates should be made.

Requires the System to provide such tools in order to: (1) classify the recidivism risk level of all prisoners as low, moderate, or high as part of the intake process and ensure that low-risk prisoners are grouped with low-risk prisoners in all housing and assignment decisions; (2) assign covered prisoners to recidivism reduction programs or productive activities based on such classification; (3) reassess the recidivism risk level periodically and make appropriate reassignments; and (4) determine when a low-risk prisoner is qualified to transfer to pre-release custody.

Directs the Attorney General to: (1) adapt the Federal Post Conviction Risk Assessment Tool developed and utilized by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts in order to develop suitable risk and needs assessment tools to be used under the System, and (2) ensure that the tool to be used in reassessments measures indicators of progress and improvement and of regression.

Requires the System to provide: (1) guidance on the kind and amount of recidivism reduction programming or productive activities assigned for each classification of prisoner; (2) specified incentives and rewards to prisoners that have successfully completed such programs and activities, including phone and visitation privileges, time credits, and transfer to pre-release custody; and (3) guidelines for reducing awards for prisoners who violate program, activity, or penal or correctional facility rules. Prohibits prisoners convicted of specified offenses from receiving time credits.

Requires the reassessment of a covered prisoner who has successfully completed recidivism reduction programming or productive activities, the reassignment of such prisoner to appropriate programs or activities, and the provision of applicable time credits.

Directs the Attorney General to: (1) develop training protocols and programs for Bureau officials and employees responsible for administering the System; (2) monitor and assess the use of the System; (3) review the effectiveness of existing recidivism reduction programs and productive activities, including prison jobs, in Bureau-operated facilities; (4) conduct or fund research to evaluate the effectiveness of established programs offered through organizations that do not rely on federal funding in reducing recidivism; and (5) make recommendations to the Bureau regarding the addition of any new effective programs and activities that would help to reduce recidivism.

Directs the Bureau to: (1) implement the System and complete a risk and needs assessment for each prisoner, and (2) expand effective recidivism reduction programs and productive activities offered and add any new program or productive activity necessary to effectively implement the System. Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) a phase-in of development and operation of such recidivism reduction programs and productive activities; (2) partnerships between penal or correctional facilities and nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and private entities to expand such programs and activities; (3) penalties to be imposed on the Bureau for failure to implement the System, complete assessments, or add or expand programs and activities; and (4) prisoner transfers into pre-release custody.

federal prison reform_act directs attorney general develop post sentencing risk needs assessment system use bureau_of_prisons develop recommendations recidivism reduction programs productive activities conduct ongoing research data analysis determine best practices use offender risk needs assessment tools best available tools effective efficient uses tools recidivism reduction programs effective review system recommendations research biennially determine revisions updates requires system provide tools order classify recidivism risk level prisoners low moderate high intake process ensure low risk prisoners low risk prisoners housing assignment decisions assign covered prisoners recidivism reduction programs productive activities based classification reassess recidivism risk level periodically appropriate determine low risk prisoner qualified transfer pre release custody directs attorney general adapt federal post conviction risk assessment tool developed utilized administrative_office_of_the_united_states_courts order develop suitable risk needs assessment tools system ensure tool measures indicators progress improvement requires system provide guidance kind recidivism reduction programming productive activities assigned classification prisoner specified incentives rewards prisoners successfully completed programs activities including phone visitation privileges time credits transfer pre release custody guidelines reducing awards prisoners violate program activity penal correctional facility rules prohibits prisoners convicted specified offenses receiving time credits requires reassessment covered prisoner successfully completed recidivism reduction programming productive activities reassignment prisoner appropriate programs activities provision applicable time credits directs attorney general develop training protocols programs bureau officials employees responsible administering system monitor assess use system review effectiveness existing recidivism reduction programs productive activities including prison jobs bureau operated facilities conduct fund research evaluate effectiveness established programs offered organizations rely federal funding reducing recidivism recommendations bureau addition new effective programs activities help reduce recidivism directs bureau implement system complete risk needs assessment prisoner expand effective recidivism reduction programs productive activities offered add new program productive activity necessary effectively implement system sets forth requirements phase development operation recidivism reduction programs productive activities partnerships penal correctional facilities nonprofit organizations institutions higher education private entities expand programs activities penalties imposed bureau failure implement system complete assessments add expand programs activities prisoner transfers pre release custody


Summary:
Eric Williams Correctional Officer Protection Act of 2014 - Amends the federal criminal code to require the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to issue oleoresin capsicum spray to: (1) any Bureau officer or employee employed in a prison that is not a minimum or low security prison who may respond to an emergency situation in such prison; and (2) such additional prison officers and employees as the Director deems appropriate, subject to specified requirements.

Requires any such officer or employee to complete a training course before being issued such spray and annual training on the use of such spray.

Authorizes Bureau officers and employees issued such spray to use it to reduce acts of violence committed by prisoners and prison visitors against themselves, other prisoners and visitors, and Bureau officers and employees.

Directs the Comptroller General (GAO), not later than three years after the date on which the Director begins to issue oleoresin capsicum spray to Bureau officers and employees, to submit to Congress a report that includes: (1) an evaluation of the effectiveness of issuing such spray on reducing crime in such prisons and acts of violence committed by prisoners against themselves and others, (2) an evaluation of the advisability of issuing such spray, and (3) recommendations to improve the safety of Bureau officers and employees in prisons.

williams correctional officer protection act amends federal criminal code require director bureau_of_prisons issue oleoresin bureau officer employee employed prison minimum low security prison respond emergency situation prison additional prison officers employees director deems appropriate subject specified requirements requires officer employee complete training course issued annual training use authorizes bureau officers employees issued use reduce acts violence committed prisoners prison visitors prisoners visitors bureau officers employees directs comptroller_general gao later years date director begins issue oleoresin bureau officers employees submit congress report includes evaluation effectiveness issuing reducing crime prisons acts violence committed prisoners evaluation advisability issuing recommendations improve safety bureau officers employees prisons


Summary: Correctional Officer Self-Protection Act of 2014 - Amends the federal criminal code to require the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to ensure that each chief executive officer of a federal penal or correctional institution: (1) provides a secure storage area located outside of the secure perimeter of the institution for qualified law enforcement officers employed by the Bureau to store firearms, or allows such officers to store firearms in a vehicle lockbox approved by the Director; and (2) allows such officers to carry concealed firearms on the premises outside of the secure perimeter of the institution.

correctional officer self protection act amends federal criminal code require director bureau_of_prisons ensure chief executive officer federal penal correctional institution provides secure storage area located outside secure perimeter institution qualified law enforcement officers employed bureau store firearms allows officers store firearms vehicle approved director allows officers carry concealed firearms premises outside secure perimeter institution


Summary:
Eric Williams Correctional Officer Protection Act of 2015

 Amends the federal criminal code to require the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to issue oleoresin capsicum spray to: (1) any Bureau officer or employee employed in a prison that is not a minimum or low security prison who may respond to an emergency situation in such prison; and (2) such additional prison officers and employees as the Director deems appropriate, subject to specified requirements.

Requires any such officer or employee to complete a training course before being issued such spray and annual training on the use of such spray.

Authorizes Bureau officers and employees issued such spray to use it to reduce acts of violence committed by prisoners and prison visitors against themselves, other prisoners and visitors, and Bureau officers and employees.

Directs the Comptroller General, not later than three years after the date on which the Director begins to issue oleoresin capsicum spray to Bureau officers and employees, to submit to Congress a report that includes: (1) an evaluation of the effectiveness of issuing such spray on reducing crime in such prisons and acts of violence committed by prisoners against themselves and others, (2) an evaluation of the advisability of issuing such spray, and (3) recommendations to improve the safety of Bureau officers and employees in prisons.

williams correctional officer protection act amends federal criminal code require director bureau_of_prisons issue oleoresin bureau officer employee employed prison minimum low security prison respond emergency situation prison additional prison officers employees director deems appropriate subject specified requirements requires officer employee complete training course issued annual training use authorizes bureau officers employees issued use reduce acts violence committed prisoners prison visitors prisoners visitors bureau officers employees directs comptroller_general later years date director begins issue oleoresin bureau officers employees submit congress report includes evaluation effectiveness issuing reducing crime prisons acts violence committed prisoners evaluation advisability issuing recommendations improve safety bureau officers employees prisons


Summary:
Corrections and Recidivism Reduction Act of 2016

TITLE I--RECIDIVISM RISK REDUCTION

Recidivism Risk Reduction Act

(Sec. 102) This bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to: (1) develop a prisoner risk and needs assessment system; (2) develop recommendations regarding recidivism reduction programs and productive activities; and (3) conduct ongoing research regarding data analysis on best practices, needs assessment tools, and recidivism reduction programs.

 (Sec. 103) The bill establishes requirements regarding the assessment system and DOJ's recommendations.

 (Sec. 106) The bill amends the federal criminal code to establish procedures for implementation of the assessment system and DOJ's recommendations by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).

TITLE II--RESTRAINTS ON PREGNANT PRISONERS PROHIBITED

(Sec. 201) With specified exceptions, the bill prohibits the use of restraints on federal prisoners who are pregnant or in postpartum recovery.

TITLE III--BUREAU OF PRISONS USE OF OLEORESIN CAPSICUM SPRAY

Eric Williams Correctional Officer Protection Act of 2016

(Sec. 302) The bill requires the BOP to issue oleoresin capsicum spray (pepper spray) to officers and employees who respond to emergency situations at high-security, medium-security, and administrative facilities. Officers and employees may use pepper spray to reduce violent acts by prisoners and visitors.

(Sec. 303) The Government Accountability Office shall: (1) evaluate the effectiveness of issuance of pepper spray issued pursuant to this bill and the advisability of its use in minimum- or low-security prisons, and (2) make recommendations to improve the safety of BOP officers and employees.

TITLE IV--BUREAU OF PRISONS SECURE FIREARMS STORAGE

Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Correctional Officer Self-Protection Act of 2016

 (Sec. 403) The BOP must ensure that each chief executive officer of a federal penal or correctional institution: (1) allows qualified law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms beyond the institution's secure perimeter, and (2) either provides such officers with a secure firearm-storage area beyond the perimeter or allows them to store firearms in a BOP-approved vehicle lockbox.

TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS

(Sec. 501) The BOP must incorporate specialized and comprehensive de-escalation training into its training programs.

 (Sec. 503) The bill generally prohibits the monitoring of electronic communications between a prisoner in a BOP facility and the prisoner's attorney.

(Sec. 504) The BOP shall establish pilot programs related to: (1) pairing incarcerated youth with volunteer mentors; and (2) equipping prisoners with skills to provide training and therapy to abandoned, rescued, or otherwise vulnerable animals.

 (Sec. 505) The bill requires supervision by probation officers and pretrial services officers, when directed by the court, of conditionally released persons determined to be sexually dangerous.

(Sec. 506) The bill expands data collection requirements regarding the National Prisoner Statistics Program.

(Sec. 507) The bill reauthorizes through FY2020, and revises, the Federal Prisoner Reentry Initiative.

A defendant may make a motion for modification of an imposed term of imprisonment if the BOP does not make such a motion within 30 days of a defendant's request.

(Sec. 508) The BOP must designate a release preparation coordinator at each BOP facility that houses prisoners.

Each prisoner shall, with individualized assistance, develop a comprehensive release plan.

corrections recidivism reduction act title recidivism risk reduction recidivism risk reduction act sec bill directs department_of_justice doj develop prisoner risk needs assessment system develop recommendations recidivism reduction programs productive activities conduct ongoing research data analysis best practices needs assessment tools recidivism reduction programs sec bill establishes requirements assessment system doj recommendations sec bill amends federal criminal code establish procedures implementation assessment system doj recommendations bureau_of_prisons title pregnant prisoners prohibited sec specified exceptions bill prohibits use federal prisoners pregnant postpartum recovery title iii bureau_of_prisons use oleoresin williams correctional officer protection act sec bill requires issue oleoresin officers employees respond emergency situations high security medium security administrative facilities officers employees use reduce violent acts prisoners visitors sec government_accountability_office shall evaluate effectiveness issuance issued pursuant bill advisability use low security prisons recommendations improve safety officers employees title bureau_of_prisons secure firearms storage lieutenant correctional officer self protection act sec ensure chief executive officer federal penal correctional institution allows qualified law enforcement officers carry concealed firearms institution secure perimeter provides officers secure firearm storage area perimeter allows store firearms approved vehicle title miscellaneous sec incorporate specialized comprehensive escalation training training programs sec bill generally prohibits monitoring electronic communications prisoner facility prisoner attorney sec shall establish pilot programs related pairing incarcerated youth volunteer mentors equipping prisoners skills provide training therapy abandoned vulnerable animals sec bill requires supervision probation officers pretrial services officers directed court conditionally released persons determined sexually dangerous sec bill expands data collection requirements national prisoner statistics program sec bill reauthorizes fy2020 revises federal prisoner reentry initiative defendant motion modification imposed term imprisonment motion days defendant request sec designate release preparation coordinator facility houses prisoners prisoner shall individualized assistance develop comprehensive release plan


Summary:
Stop AIDS in Prison Act of 2015

 Directs the Bureau of Prisons to develop a comprehensive policy to provide HIV testing, treatment, and prevention for inmates in federal prisons and upon reentry into the community. Requires such policy to include provisions for: (1) testing of inmates upon intake and counseling; (2) HIV/AIDS prevention education; (3) HIV testing of prisoners annually upon request or upon exposure to HIV; (4) HIV testing of pregnant inmates; (5) comprehensive medical treatment of inmates who test positive for HIV and confidential counseling on managing their medical condition and preventing its transmission to other persons; (6) protection of confidentiality; (7) testing, counseling, and referral prior to reentry into the community; (8) allowing inmates the right to refuse routine HIV testing; (9) excluding as "routine" the testing of an inmate who may have transmitted HIV to any U.S. officer or employee or to any person lawfully present but not incarcerated in a correctional facility; and (10) timely notification of test results.

Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) require HIV testing for all federal prison inmates upon intake regardless of length of sentence or risk factors, (2) allow inmates to decline testing prior to release from incarceration, and (3) make HIV testing part of the routine health screening conducted at intake.

Requires the Bureau to report on: (1) testing, treatment, and prevention education programs for hepatitis and other diseases transmitted through sexual activity and intravenous drug use; and (2) the incidence among prison inmates of diseases transmitted through sexual activity and intravenous drug use.

stop aids prison act directs bureau_of_prisons develop comprehensive policy provide hiv testing treatment prevention inmates federal prisons reentry community requires policy include provisions testing inmates intake counseling hiv aids prevention education hiv testing prisoners annually request exposure hiv hiv testing pregnant inmates comprehensive medical treatment inmates test positive hiv confidential counseling managing medical condition preventing transmission persons protection confidentiality testing counseling referral prior reentry community allowing inmates right refuse routine hiv testing excluding routine testing inmate transmitted hiv officer employee person lawfully present incarcerated correctional facility timely notification test results amends federal criminal code require hiv testing federal prison inmates intake regardless length sentence risk factors allow inmates decline testing prior release incarceration hiv testing routine health screening conducted intake requires bureau report testing treatment prevention education programs hepatitis diseases transmitted sexual activity intravenous drug use incidence prison inmates diseases transmitted sexual activity intravenous drug use


Summary:
Prisoner Incentive Act of 2015

 Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) allow federal prisoners to earn up to 54 days of credit toward the service of a sentence for each year of the prisoner's sentence imposed by the court if the Bureau of Prisons determines the prisoner has displayed exemplary compliance with institutional disciplinary regulations; and (2) authorize the Bureau to restore credit previously denied to a prisoner, based on such prisoner maintaining good behavior. Makes this Act applicable to each prison sentence that has not been completed before the date of enactment, except any sentence imposed before November 1, 1987.

prisoner incentive act amends federal criminal code allow federal prisoners earn days credit service sentence year prisoner sentence imposed court bureau_of_prisons determines prisoner displayed exemplary compliance institutional disciplinary regulations authorize bureau restore credit previously denied prisoner based prisoner maintaining good behavior makes act applicable prison sentence completed date enactment sentence imposed november


Summary:
Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Correctional Officer Self-Protection Act of 2015

 Amends the federal criminal code to require the Bureau of Prisons to ensure that each chief executive officer of a federal penal or correctional institution: (1) provides a secure storage area located outside of the secure perimeter of the institution for qualified law enforcement officers employed by the Bureau to store firearms, or allows such officers to store firearms in a vehicle lockbox approved by the Bureau; and (2) allows such officers to carry concealed firearms on the premises outside of the secure perimeter of the institution.

lieutenant correctional officer self protection act amends federal criminal code require bureau_of_prisons ensure chief executive officer federal penal correctional institution provides secure storage area located outside secure perimeter institution qualified law enforcement officers employed bureau store firearms allows officers store firearms vehicle approved bureau allows officers carry concealed firearms premises outside secure perimeter institution


Summary:
Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2015

Amends federal criminal code provisions relating to Federal Prison Industries, Incorporated (FPI) to establish governmentwide procurement policies for purchases from FPI based upon competitive procedures. Specifies conditions under which a contract award may be made to FPI using other than competitive procedures.

Revises rulemaking procedures for approving new FPI products or services. Requires the Chief Operating Officer of FPI to submit a proposal for new FPI products or services to the Board of Directors of FPI with a detailed analysis of the probable impact on the private sector of a proposed expansion of sales from such new products or services.

Prohibits the total dollar value of FPI sales to the federal government in FY2016-FY2020 from exceeding specified percentages of FPI sales for a base period.

Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require the head of an executive agency, before purchasing a product listed in the latest FPI catalog, to conduct market research to determine whether the FPI product is comparable to products available from the private sector that best meet the agency's needs in terms of price, quality, and time of delivery.

Requires the Board of Directors of FPI to prescribe hourly wage rates for inmates performing work for or through FPI. Requires: (1) an hourly minimum rate of not less than $2.50 for inmates whose term of imprisonment will expire in not more than two years, and (2) a biannual review of inmate wage rates.

Directs the Board of Directors of FPI, not later than September 30, 2016, to increase the maximum wage rate for inmates to 50% of the minimum wage rate under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, and to 100% of such wage rate not later than September 30, 2021.

Establishes within the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBP) the Enhanced In-Prison Educational and Vocational Assessment and Training Program to provide: (1) in-prison assessments of inmates' needs and aptitudes, (2) a full range of educational opportunities, (3) vocational training and apprenticeships, and (4) comprehensive release-readiness preparation.

Amends the federal criminal code to authorize inmates with work assignments within FPI to perform work for a tax-exempt charity, religious organization, or local governmental unit or school district (eligible entities) that have an agreement with FPI. Establishes the position of Inmate Work Training Administrator to create alternative inmate work opportunities within eligible entities.

Directs the Chief Operating Officer of FPI to develop proposals to have FPI donate products and services to charitable organizations that provide goods or services to low-income individuals.

Establishes within the FBP the Cognitive Abilities Assessment Demonstration Program to assess the cognitive abilities and perceptual skills of inmates to prepare such inmates to return to society and reduce recidivism. Requires such demonstration program to be conducted for three consecutive fiscal years beginning during FY2016 at 12 federal correctional institutions and to be offered to 6,000 inmates who are within 5 years of release.

Requires the Director of the FBP to offer prerelease employment assistance to inmates.

Authorizes private for-profit business entities to participate in work-based training and apprenticeship programs for federal prison inmates.

Prohibits FPI from directly offering for commercial sale products produced or services furnished by federal inmates, including through any form of electronic commerce.

Terminates authority for inmate work-based training programs after September 30, 2022, and requires all agreements relating to such programs to be performed before October 1, 2027.

Directs the Government Accountability Office to undertake an on-going assessment of inmate work-based training programs.

Requires the Director of FBP to be appointed by the President (currently, by the Attorney General).

Requires the Board of Directors of FPI to issue regulations defining "prison-made product," "prison-furnished service," "specific product," and "specific service."

federal prison industries competition contracting act amends federal criminal code provisions relating federal prison industries incorporated establish governmentwide procurement policies purchases based competitive procedures specifies conditions contract award competitive procedures revises rulemaking procedures approving new products services requires chief operating officer submit proposal new products services board_of_directors detailed analysis probable impact private sector proposed expansion sales new products services prohibits total dollar value sales federal_government fy2016-fy2020 exceeding specified percentages sales base period amends federal_property_and_administrative_services act require head executive agency purchasing product listed latest catalog conduct market research determine product comparable products available private sector best meet agency needs terms price quality time delivery requires board_of_directors prescribe hourly wage rates inmates performing work requires hourly minimum rate inmates term imprisonment expire years biannual review inmate wage rates directs board_of_directors later september increase maximum wage rate inmates minimum wage rate fair labor standards act wage rate later september establishes federal_bureau_of_prisons enhanced prison educational vocational assessment training program provide prison assessments inmates needs range educational opportunities vocational training apprenticeships comprehensive release readiness preparation amends federal criminal code authorize inmates work assignments perform work tax exempt charity religious organization local governmental unit school district eligible entities agreement establishes position inmate work training administrator create alternative inmate work opportunities eligible entities directs chief operating officer develop proposals donate products services charitable organizations provide goods services low income individuals establishes cognitive abilities assessment demonstration program assess cognitive abilities skills inmates prepare inmates return society reduce recidivism requires demonstration program conducted consecutive fiscal years beginning fy2016 federal correctional institutions offered inmates years release requires director offer employment assistance inmates authorizes private profit business entities participate work based training apprenticeship programs federal prison inmates prohibits directly offering commercial sale products produced services furnished federal inmates including form electronic commerce terminates authority inmate work based training programs september requires agreements relating programs performed october directs government_accountability_office undertake going assessment inmate work based training programs requires director appointed president currently attorney general requires board_of_directors issue regulations defining prison product prison furnished service specific product specific service


Summary:
Private Prison Information Act of 2015

 Subjects records relating to the operation of and prisoners in a prison or other correctional or detention facility that is owned or operated by a nongovernmental entity, state, or local government and that incarcerates or detains federal prisoners pursuant to a contract or agreement with a federal agency to the Freedom of Information Act in the same manner as records maintained by a federal agency operating a federal prison or detention facility.


Summary:
Permanently Ending Receipt by Prisoners Act

 Amends title III (Grants to States for Unemployment Compensation Administration) of the Social Security Act to require the state agency charged with administering a state's unemployment compensation law to seek from the Commissioner of Social Security, and through additional appropriate means, information necessary to carry out any provision of that law which renders ineligible for regular compensation, because he or she is unable to satisfy work requirements, any individual confined in a jail, prison, or other penal institution or correctional facility for conviction of a criminal offense.

Directs the Department of Labor to notify any state whose unemployment compensation agency fails to comply substantially with such requirements that further payments (for unemployment benefits) will not be made to the state until there is no longer any such failure.

permanently ending receipt prisoners act amends title iii grants states unemployment compensation administration social_security_act require state agency charged administering state unemployment compensation law seek commissioner_of_social_security additional appropriate means information necessary carry provision law renders ineligible regular compensation unable satisfy work requirements individual confined jail prison penal institution correctional facility conviction criminal offense directs department_of_labor notify state unemployment compensation agency fails comply substantially requirements payments unemployment benefits state longer failure


Summary:
Wrongful Convictions Tax Relief Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a wrongfully incarcerated individual an exclusion from gross income for civil damages, restitution, or other monetary awards received as compensation for a wrongful incarceration. Defines "wrongfully incarcerated individual" as: (1) an individual who was convicted of a criminal offense under federal or state law, who served all or part of a sentence of imprisonment relating to such offense, and who was pardoned, granted clemency, or granted amnesty because of actual innocence of the offense; or (2) an individual for whom the conviction for such offense was reversed or vacated and for whom the indictment, information, or other accusatory instrument for such offense was dismissed or who was found not guilty at a new trial after the conviction was reversed or vacated.

wrongful convictions tax relief_act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow wrongfully incarcerated individual exclusion gross income civil damages restitution monetary awards received compensation wrongful incarceration defines wrongfully incarcerated individual individual convicted criminal offense federal state law served sentence imprisonment relating offense granted granted amnesty actual innocence offense individual conviction offense vacated indictment information instrument offense dismissed found guilty new trial conviction vacated


Summary:
Federal Prison Work Incentive Act of 2015

This bill amends the federal criminal code to entitle each prisoner confined in a penal or correctional institution for a definite term other than for life, whose record of conduct shows that the prisoner has substantially observed all Bureau of Prisons regulations and has not been subjected to punishment, to a deduction from his or her sentence of between 5 days and 10 days for each month of such sentence, depending on the sentence length.

The bill also authorizes a sentence reduction, in addition to any commutation of time for good conduct, of up to three days for each month of actual employment in an industry or camp for any part or the first year and up to five days for each month of any part of a succeeding year. The Bureau may also allow such reduction for a prisoner performing exceptionally meritorious service or duties of outstanding importance in connection with institutional operations.

If, during the term of imprisonment, a prisoner commits any offense or violates Bureau regulations, all or any part of his or her earned good time may be forfeited. The Bureau shall provide the criteria and means for restoration of any forfeited or lost good time.

federal prison work incentive act bill amends federal criminal code entitle prisoner confined penal correctional institution definite term life record conduct shows prisoner substantially observed bureau_of_prisons regulations subjected punishment deduction sentence days days month sentence depending sentence length bill authorizes sentence reduction addition time good conduct days month actual employment industry camp year days month succeeding year bureau allow reduction prisoner performing exceptionally meritorious service duties outstanding importance connection institutional operations term imprisonment prisoner commits offense violates bureau regulations earned good time forfeited bureau shall provide criteria means restoration forfeited lost good time


Summary:
Federal Prison Bureau Relief Act of 2015

This bill amends the federal criminal code to require the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to release early an offender who has completed at least half of his or her prison sentence if such offender has: (1) attained age 45, (2) committed no violent offenses, and (3) received no institutional disciplinary violations.

The bill modifies provisions related to computation of a federal prisoner's good time credit. Specifically, it allows an eligible federal prisoner to earn a maximum good time credit of 54 days per year of the sentence imposed (instead of 54 days per year of the sentence actually served). It also permits the BOP to restore good time credit previously denied, based on a prisoner maintaining good behavior. These modifications apply to an ongoing prison sentence imposed on or after November 1, 1987.

federal prison bureau relief_act bill amends federal criminal code require bureau_of_prisons release early offender completed half prison sentence offender attained age committed violent offenses received institutional disciplinary violations bill modifies provisions related computation federal prisoner good time credit specifically allows eligible federal prisoner earn maximum good time credit days year sentence imposed instead days year sentence actually served permits restore good time credit previously denied based prisoner maintaining good behavior modifications apply ongoing prison sentence imposed november


Summary:
Solitary Confinement Study and Reform Act of 2015

This bill establishes the National Solitary Confinement Study and Reform Commission to: (1) study the impact of solitary confinement in correctional facilities on governments, communities, and social institutions; (2) report findings; and (3) recommend national standards to reduce the use of solitary confinement.

The bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to publish national standards to reduce solitary confinement in correctional facilities.

The Bureau of Prisons must comply with the national standards immediately.

A state or local government must certify compliance with the national standards to be eligible for DOJ-administered grant program funding to construct, maintain, or operate correctional facilities.

solitary confinement study reform_act bill establishes national solitary confinement study reform commission study impact solitary confinement correctional facilities governments communities social institutions report findings recommend national standards reduce use solitary confinement bill directs department_of_justice doj publish national standards reduce solitary confinement correctional facilities bureau_of_prisons comply national standards immediately state local government certify compliance national standards eligible doj administered grant program funding construct maintain operate correctional facilities


Summary:
Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act

This bill prohibits any person acting under the authority of the United States from monitoring any electronic communication by a prisoner in a Bureau of Prisons correctional facility if such communication is subject to attorney-client privilege. This does not apply to any communications the Department of Justice has reason to believe pose a threat to national security.

effective assistance counsel digital era act bill prohibits person acting authority united_states monitoring electronic communication prisoner bureau_of_prisons correctional facility communication subject attorney client privilege apply communications department_of_justice reason believe pose threat national security


Summary:
Stingray Privacy Act of 2015

This bill prohibits the use of cell-site simulators by law enforcement agencies. Cell-site simulators are surveillance devices designed to capture data from cell phones.

Law enforcement agencies must obtain warrants for the use of cell-site simulators.However, agencies are permitted to use the devices without a warrant under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act or in emergency situations. Evidence obtained from a cell-site simulator unlawfully cannot be used in any legal or official proceeding.

 Use of a cell-site simulator outside the scope of this bill is punishable by a fine and/or up to 10 years in prison.

privacy_act bill prohibits use cell site law enforcement agencies cell site surveillance devices designed capture data cell phones law enforcement agencies obtain warrants use cell site agencies permitted use devices warrant foreign_intelligence_surveillance_act emergency situations evidence obtained cell site unlawfully legal official proceeding use cell site outside scope bill punishable fine years prison


Summary:
Restoring the Partnership for County Health Care Costs Act of 2015

This bill amends titles XVI (Supplemental Security Income), XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP) to allow an otherwise eligible individual who is in custody pending charges to receive SSI, Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP benefits.

Any SSI benefits payable to such an individual: (1) must be withheld until the individual is no longer in custody; and (2) if the individual dies while in custody, shall be paid to the individual's estate.

restoring partnership county health_care costs act bill amends titles xvi supplemental security income xviii medicare xix medicaid xxi children health insurance program chip allow eligible individual custody pending charges receive ssi medicare medicaid chip benefits ssi benefits payable individual withheld individual longer custody individual dies custody shall paid individual estate


Summary:
Prevent Terrorism from Entering our Prisons Act of 2015

This bill amends the federal criminal code to require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to screen federal prison volunteers for known and suspected terrorist connections, using Federal Bureau of Investigation files and volunteers' social media accounts.

DOJ must take appropriate action if a volunteer's screening raises questions about terrorist connections.

prevent terrorism entering prisons act bill amends federal criminal code require department_of_justice doj screen federal prison volunteers known suspected terrorist connections federal_bureau_of_investigation files volunteers social media accounts doj appropriate action volunteer screening raises questions terrorist connections


Summary:
Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act of 2016

This bill prohibits any person acting under the authority of the United States from monitoring any electronic communication by a prisoner in a Bureau of Prisons correctional facility if such communication is subject to attorney-client privilege. This does not apply to any communications the Department of Justice has reason to believe pose a threat to national security.


Summary: This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to eliminate, beginning in 2020, the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) with respect to the coverage of individuals who are inmates in public institutions. Under current law, the enhanced FMAP applies to coverage of individuals who are newly eligible for Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

bill amends title xix medicaid social_security_act eliminate beginning enhanced federal medical assistance percentage fmap respect coverage individuals inmates public institutions current law enhanced fmap applies coverage individuals newly eligible medicaid patient_protection affordable care act


Summary:
Small Business Protection Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code to repeal the requirement that federal departments and agencies purchase prison-made products.

Federal Prison Industries shall be ineligible to produce any product under a contract awarded for the sale of government property to a small business concern under the Small Business Act.

No executive agency head may enter into any contract with Federal Prison Industries under which an inmate worker would have access to classified data, personal or financial information about any individual private citizen without the individual's consent, or geographic data regarding the location of:

 surface and subsurface infrastructure providing communications or water or electrical power distribution; pipelines for the distribution of natural gas, bulk petroleum products, or other commodities; or other utilities. The Attorney General shall report to Congress on the extent of re-entry employment preparation provided to inmates by participation in Federal Prison Industries.

small business protection act bill amends federal criminal code repeal requirement federal departments agencies purchase prison products federal prison industries shall ineligible produce product contract awarded sale government property small business concern small_business_act executive agency head enter contract federal prison industries inmate worker access classified data personal financial information individual private citizen individual consent geographic data location surface subsurface infrastructure providing communications water electrical power distribution pipelines distribution natural gas bulk petroleum products commodities utilities attorney general shall report congress extent entry employment preparation provided inmates participation federal prison industries


Summary:
Hire For a Second Chance Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the work opportunity tax credit, to: (1) make such credit permanent; (2) increase to $14,000, for ex-felons, the amount of wages that may be taken into account for purposes of computing the credit; and (3) increase from one to three years the period after the conviction or release of an ex-felon during which an employer may hire an ex-felon and claim a work opportunity tax credit for such hiring.

hire second chance act bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code respect work opportunity tax credit credit permanent increase felons wages taken account purposes computing credit increase years period conviction release felon employer hire felon claim work opportunity tax credit hiring


Summary:
Federal Prisons Accountability Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code to require the Director of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Currently, the Director is appointed by the Attorney General.

It also limits the BOP Director to a single term of 10 years.

 The incumbent Director may continue to serve for three months after the date of enactment. The President may appoint that individual to be the Director in accordance with the requirements of this Act.

federal prisons accountability_act bill amends federal criminal code require director bureau_of_prisons appointed president confirmed senate currently director appointed attorney general limits director single term years incumbent director continue serve months date enactment president appoint individual director accordance requirements act


Summary:
Probation Officer Protection Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code to authorize a probation officer to arrest a person (i.e., a person other than the probationer) without a warrant if there is probable cause to believe the person forcibly assaulted or obstructed a probation officer engaged in the performance of official duties.

probation officer protection act bill amends federal criminal code authorize probation officer arrest person person warrant probable cause believe person forcibly probation officer engaged performance official duties


Summary:
Stop Infant Mortality And Recidivism Reduction Act of 2016 or the SIMARRA Act

This bill directs the Bureau of Prisons to establish a pilot program to allow incarcerated women who give birth and children born during such incarceration to reside together in a separate prison housing unit.

It sets forth inmate eligibility criteria and program participation requirements.

stop infant mortality recidivism reduction act act bill directs bureau_of_prisons establish pilot program allow incarcerated women birth children born incarceration reside separate prison housing unit sets forth inmate eligibility criteria program participation requirements


Summary:
Shift Back to Society Act of 2016

This bill directs the Department of Justice to establish a pilot program that awards matching grants to historically black colleges and universities to provide educational programs for eligible offenders to facilitate re-entry into the community.

An eligible offender is a convicted criminal offender who has been released from incarceration for less than one year or who is scheduled to be released from incarceration within one year.

The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on the results of the pilot program.

shift society act bill directs department_of_justice establish pilot program awards matching grants historically black colleges universities provide educational programs eligible offenders facilitate entry community eligible offender convicted criminal offender released incarceration year scheduled released incarceration year government_accountability_office report congress results pilot program


Summary:
End For-Profit Prisons Act of 2016

This bill requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to phase out existing contracts with private prison companies and private community confinement facilities.

It amends the federal criminal code to require federal employees to perform the core correctional services—housing, safeguarding, protecting, and disciplining of offenders—at correctional facilities used by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) or the U.S. Marshals Service.

The bill also prohibits the BOP from entering into or maintaining contracts with private companies to manage community confinement facilities (e.g., halfway houses).

DOJ must evaluate the effectiveness of and develop guidelines for recidivism reduction programs at community confinement facilities.

The Marshals Service must annually inspect each correctional facility it uses for confinement.

The BOP must provide to prisoners, as part of prerelease procedures, information and counseling about: criminal record expungement; educational, employment, and treatment programs; and applications for public assistance programs. The BOP must also provide prisoners with post-release information about fines, assessments, surcharges, restitution, and other penalties.

end profit prisons act bill requires department_of_justice doj phase existing contracts private prison companies private community confinement facilities amends federal criminal code require federal employees perform core correctional services housing safeguarding protecting disciplining offenders correctional facilities bureau_of_prisons marshals service bill prohibits entering maintaining contracts private companies manage community confinement facilities houses doj evaluate effectiveness develop guidelines recidivism reduction programs community confinement facilities marshals service annually inspect correctional facility uses confinement provide prisoners procedures information counseling criminal record expungement educational employment treatment programs applications public assistance programs provide prisoners post release information fines assessments surcharges restitution penalties


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

(Sec. 1) This bill amends the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 to extend the waiver of limitations on credits or refunds related to the exclusion from gross income of certain civil damages, restitution, or other monetary awards received by wrongfully incarcerated individuals.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure sec bill amends protecting americans tax act extend waiver limitations credits refunds related exclusion gross income certain civil damages restitution monetary awards received wrongfully incarcerated individuals


Summary:
Video Visitation in Prisons Act of 2016

This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to promulgate regulations for video visitation services that allow inmates to make video calls to individuals outside a correctional facility, and amend its regulations on inmate calling services as necessary, to ensure that all charges and practices are just and reasonable.

The regulations must include:

 caps on rates charged by service providers, a prohibition against charging flat rates, a prohibition against a provider requiring a correctional facility to restrict in-person visitation as a condition to providing a calling or video visitation service, a prohibition against the provider offering bundled services that include non-communications services, and video quality standards. The federal criminal code is amended to require the Bureau of Prisons to ensure that:

 video visitation does not supplant in-person visitation; privacy is maximized in the video areas and equipment; no persons other than corrections officers have authority over the terms of a prisoner's imprisonment, including visitation schedules or the ability to move within a correctional facility; and service providers provide a list of each video visitation and each fee charged to visitors and prisoners, offer free visits based on good behavior if authorized by the correctional facility, and submit quarterly compliance reports.

video visitation prisons act bill requires federal_communications_commission promulgate regulations video visitation services allow inmates video calls individuals outside correctional facility amend regulations inmate calling services necessary ensure charges practices reasonable regulations include caps rates charged service providers prohibition charging flat rates prohibition provider requiring correctional facility restrict person visitation condition providing calling video visitation service prohibition provider offering bundled services include non communications services video quality standards federal criminal code amended require bureau_of_prisons ensure video visitation supplant person visitation privacy video areas equipment persons corrections officers authority terms prisoner imprisonment including visitation schedules ability correctional facility service providers provide list video visitation fee charged visitors prisoners offer free visits based good behavior authorized correctional facility submit quarterly compliance reports


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.)

Eric Williams Correctional Officer Protection Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the federal criminal code to require the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to issue oleoresin capsicum spray (i.e., pepper spray) to officers and employees who respond to emergency situations at high-security, medium-security, and administrative facilities.

 Officers and employees may use pepper spray to reduce violent acts by prisoners and visitors.

An officer of employee must complete a training course prior to receiving pepper spray and annually thereafter on its use.

(Sec. 3) The Government Accountability Office must: (1) evaluate the effect of issuing pepper spray on reducing crime and violence in high-security, medium-security, and administrative facilities; (2) evaluate the advisability of issuing pepper spray at low- or minimum-security facilities; and (3) recommend safety improvements for BOP officers and employees.

measure amended introduced expanded summary senate passed version repeated williams correctional officer protection act sec bill amends federal criminal code require bureau_of_prisons issue oleoresin officers employees respond emergency situations high security medium security administrative facilities officers employees use reduce violent acts prisoners visitors officer employee complete training course prior receiving annually use sec government_accountability_office evaluate effect issuing reducing crime violence high security medium security administrative facilities evaluate advisability issuing low- minimum security facilities recommend safety improvements officers employees


Summary:
Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Correctional Officer Self-Protection Act of 2015

 Amends the federal criminal code to require the Bureau of Prisons to ensure that each chief executive officer of a federal penal or correctional institution: (1) provides a secure storage area located outside of the secure perimeter of the institution for qualified law enforcement officers employed by the Bureau to store firearms, or allows such officers to store firearms in a vehicle lockbox approved by the Bureau; and (2) allows such officers to carry concealed firearms on the premises outside of the secure perimeter of the institution.

lieutenant correctional officer self protection act amends federal criminal code require bureau_of_prisons ensure chief executive officer federal penal correctional institution provides secure storage area located outside secure perimeter institution qualified law enforcement officers employed bureau store firearms allows officers store firearms vehicle approved bureau allows officers carry concealed firearms premises outside secure perimeter institution


Summary:
Directs the Attorney General to: (1) evaluate best practices used for the reentry of federal prisoners released from custody, (2) select an appropriate number of federal judicial districts to conduct federal reentry demonstration projects using such best practices, and (3) report on the impact of reentry of prisoners on communities in which a disproportionate number of individuals reside upon release from incarceration.

Amends the federal criminal code to require a presentence report to include: (1) information about the defendant's history of substance abuse and addiction; (2) information about the defendant's service in the Armed Forces and veteran status; and (3) a detailed plan that the probation officer determines will reduce the likelihood that the defendant will abuse drugs or alcohol, will reduce the defendant's likelihood of recidivism by addressing the defendant's specific recidivism risk factors, and will assist the defendant in preparing for reentry into the community.

Requires the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to: (1) establish a five-year recidivism reduction and recovery enhancement pilot program, premised on high-intensity supervision and the use of sanctions for noncompliance with program rules; and (2) conduct an evaluation of the pilot program and report to Congress on the results of the evaluation. Sets forth requirements for participation in the pilot program.

directs attorney general evaluate best practices reentry federal prisoners released custody select appropriate number federal judicial districts conduct federal reentry demonstration projects best practices report impact reentry prisoners communities disproportionate number individuals reside release incarceration amends federal criminal code require report include information defendant history substance abuse addiction information defendant service armed_forces veteran status detailed plan probation officer determines reduce likelihood defendant abuse drugs alcohol reduce defendant likelihood recidivism addressing defendant specific recidivism risk factors assist defendant preparing reentry community requires administrative_office_of_the_united_states_courts establish year recidivism reduction recovery enhancement pilot program high intensity supervision use sanctions noncompliance program rules conduct evaluation pilot program report congress results evaluation sets forth requirements participation pilot program


Summary:
Corrections Oversight, Recidivism Reduction, and Eliminating Costs for Taxpayers In Our National System Act of 2015 or the CORRECTIONS Act

Directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to: (1) conduct a review of recidivism reduction programming and productive activities, including prison jobs, offered in correctional institutions; (2) conduct a survey to identify products currently manufactured overseas that could be manufactured by prisoners without reducing job opportunities for other U.S. workers; and (3) submit to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations and the Judiciary a strategic plan for the expansion of recidivism reduction programming and productive activities, including prison jobs, in Bureau of Prison facilities.

Amends the federal criminal code to direct the Bureau of Prisons to make available appropriate recidivism reduction programming or productive activities, including prison jobs, to all eligible prisoners and to assign such prisoners to such activities using the Post-Sentencing Risk and Needs Assessment System developed by DOJ. Defines "eligible prisoner" to mean a prisoner serving a sentence of incarceration for conviction of a federal offense, but excludes a prisoner whom the Bureau of Prisons determines: (1) is medically unable to successfully complete recidivism reduction activities, (2) would present a security risk if permitted to participate in such activities, or (3) is serving a sentence of incarceration of less than one month. Requires the National Institute of Corrections to evaluate all recidivism reduction programming or productive activities for eligible prisoners to determine whether such programming or activities may be certified as evidence-based and effective at reducing or mitigating offender risk and recidivism.

Directs DOJ to issue regulations requiring the official in charge of each correctional facility to enter into partnerships with nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community-based organizations, educational organizations, and private entities, to make recidivism reduction programming and productive activities available to eligible prisoners.

Grants eligibility to a prisoner who has successfully completed a recidivism reduction program or productive activity certified by the National Institute of Corrections for time credits for each period of 30 days of successful completion of such a program or activity, except prisoners who have been convicted of certain federal crimes, including crimes involving terrorism, violence, or child exploitation.

Requires DOJ to develop the Post-Sentencing Risk and Needs Assessment System for use by the Bureau of Prisons to: (1) assess and determine the recidivism risk level of all prisoners and classify each prisoner as having a low, moderate, or high risk of recidivism; (2) assess and determine the risk of violence of all prisoners; (3) ensure that low-risk prisoners are grouped together in housing and assignment decisions; and (4) provide information on best practices.

Amends the federal criminal code to allow a prisoner: (1) a period of home confinement as part of a program of prerelease custody, not to exceed 10% of the prisoner's imposed sentence; (2) to enter into prerelease custody if such prisoner is classified as low or moderate risk; and (3) to serve a certain portion of his or her sentence on community supervision if such prisoner is classified as low risk, complies with all conditions of prerelease custody, remains current on financial obligations, and refrains from committing any federal, state, or local offense.

Prohibits the Bureau of Prisons from transferring a prisoner to prerelease custody if the prisoner has been sentenced to a term of incarceration of more than three years unless six-month's prior notice is given to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the district in which the prisoner was sentenced.

Requires DOJ to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) DOJ activities and accomplishments in carrying out this Act, an assessment of the status and use of the Post-Sentencing Risk and Needs Assessment System by the Bureau of Prisons, a summary and assessment of recidivism reduction programs operated by the Bureau of Prisons, and an assessment of budgetary saving resulting from this Act; (2) the status of prison work programs; (3) rates of recidivism; and (4) the effectiveness of recidivism reduction programs and activities offered to prisoners who are ineligible for time credits. Requires DOJ to reinvest budgetary savings to fund public safety programming.

Amends the Second Chance Act of 2007 to: (1) make permanent the pilot program for removing nonviolent elderly offenders from prison facilities and placing such offenders in home detention, and (2) reduce the age and prison term requirements for such offenders.

Directs DOJ to: (1) evaluate best practices used for the reentry of federal prisoners released from custody and report to the Judiciary Committees on such evaluation, (2) select an appropriate number of federal judicial districts to conduct federal reentry demonstration projects using such best practices, and (3) report on the impact of reentry of prisoners on communities in which a disproportionate number of individuals reside upon release from incarceration.

Requires the Bureau of Prisons to: (1) notify the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) if a prisoner's presentence report indicates that the prisoner has previously served in the U.S. Armed Forces, and (2) provide VA with reasonable access to such prisoner to facilitate reentry.

Amends the federal criminal code to require a presentence report to include: (1) information about the defendant's history of substance abuse and addiction; (2) information about the defendant's service in the Armed Forces and veteran status; and (3) a detailed plan that the probation officer determines will reduce the likelihood that the defendant will abuse drugs or alcohol, will reduce the defendant's likelihood of recidivism by addressing the defendant's specific recidivism risk factors, and will assist the defendant in preparing for reentry into the community.

Requires the Bureau of Prisons to ensure that each prisoner eligible for substance abuse treatment completes treatment not later than one year prior to such prisoner's release date.

Requires the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to: (1) establish a five-year recidivism reduction and recovery enhancement pilot program, premised on high-intensity supervision and the use of sanctions for noncompliance with program rules; and (2) conduct an evaluation of the pilot program and report to Congress on the results of the evaluation.

Amends the federal criminal code to require the Bureau of Prisons to issue oleoresin capsicum spray (pepper spray) to: (1) any Bureau officer or employee employed in a prison that is not a minimum or low security prison who may respond to an emergency situation in such prison; and (2) such additional prison officers and employees as deemed appropriate. Requires any such officer or employee to complete a training course before being issued such spray and annual training on the use of such spray.

corrections oversight recidivism reduction eliminating costs taxpayers national system act corrections act directs department_of_justice doj conduct review recidivism reduction programming productive activities including prison jobs offered correctional institutions conduct survey identify products currently manufactured overseas manufactured prisoners reducing job opportunities workers submit house senate_committees appropriations judiciary strategic plan expansion recidivism reduction programming productive activities including prison jobs bureau prison facilities amends federal criminal code direct bureau_of_prisons available appropriate recidivism reduction programming productive activities including prison jobs eligible prisoners assign prisoners activities post sentencing risk needs assessment system developed doj defines eligible prisoner mean prisoner serving sentence incarceration conviction federal offense excludes prisoner bureau_of_prisons determines medically unable successfully complete recidivism reduction activities present security risk permitted participate activities serving sentence incarceration month requires national institute corrections evaluate recidivism reduction programming productive activities eligible prisoners determine programming activities certified evidence based effective reducing mitigating offender risk recidivism directs doj issue regulations requiring official charge correctional facility enter partnerships nonprofit organizations including faith based community based organizations educational organizations private entities recidivism reduction programming productive activities available eligible prisoners grants eligibility prisoner successfully completed recidivism reduction program productive activity certified national institute corrections time credits period days successful completion program activity prisoners convicted certain federal crimes including crimes involving terrorism violence child exploitation requires doj develop post sentencing risk needs assessment system use bureau_of_prisons assess determine recidivism risk level prisoners classify prisoner having low moderate high risk recidivism assess determine risk violence prisoners ensure low risk prisoners housing assignment decisions provide information best practices amends federal criminal code allow prisoner period home confinement program custody exceed prisoner imposed sentence enter custody prisoner classified low moderate risk serve certain portion sentence community supervision prisoner classified low risk complies conditions custody remains current financial obligations committing federal state local offense prohibits bureau_of_prisons transferring prisoner custody prisoner sentenced term incarceration years month prior notice given attorney office district prisoner sentenced requires doj report specified congressional committees doj activities accomplishments carrying act assessment status use post sentencing risk needs assessment system bureau_of_prisons summary assessment recidivism reduction programs operated bureau_of_prisons assessment budgetary saving resulting act status prison work programs rates recidivism effectiveness recidivism reduction programs activities offered prisoners ineligible time credits requires doj reinvest budgetary savings fund public safety programming amends second chance act permanent pilot program removing nonviolent elderly offenders prison facilities placing offenders home detention reduce age prison term requirements offenders directs doj evaluate best practices reentry federal prisoners released custody report judiciary_committees evaluation select appropriate number federal judicial districts conduct federal reentry demonstration projects best practices report impact reentry prisoners communities disproportionate number individuals reside release incarceration requires bureau_of_prisons notify department_of_veterans_affairs prisoner report indicates prisoner previously served armed_forces provide reasonable access prisoner facilitate reentry amends federal criminal code require report include information defendant history substance abuse addiction information defendant service armed_forces veteran status detailed plan probation officer determines reduce likelihood defendant abuse drugs alcohol reduce defendant likelihood recidivism addressing defendant specific recidivism risk factors assist defendant preparing reentry community requires bureau_of_prisons ensure prisoner eligible substance abuse treatment completes treatment later year prior prisoner release date requires administrative_office_of_the_united_states_courts establish year recidivism reduction recovery enhancement pilot program high intensity supervision use sanctions noncompliance program rules conduct evaluation pilot program report congress results evaluation amends federal criminal code require bureau_of_prisons issue oleoresin bureau officer employee employed prison minimum low security prison respond emergency situation prison additional prison officers employees deemed appropriate requires officer employee complete training course issued annual training use