Bill Summary
The "Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act" is a piece of legislation aimed at increasing the penalties for providing prohibited items, specifically phones, to inmates in correctional facilities. The bill amends Section 1791(b) of Title 18 of the United States Code, establishing a maximum imprisonment term of two years for violations related to the provision of phones to inmates, thereby elevating the seriousness of this offense. Additionally, it requires the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to conduct a review of current policies regarding inmate access to prohibited items within one year of the bill's enactment, ensuring that policies are updated to enhance the safety and protection of both inmates and staff.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the legislation titled the "Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act" could affect people:
1. **Increased Penalties for Offenders**: The legislation increases the penalty for individuals caught providing a phone to inmates in correctional facilities. This could deter potential offenders, such as friends or family members of inmates, from attempting to smuggle phones into prisons. As a result, individuals may face harsher legal consequences, including a maximum of two years of imprisonment, which could impact their lives, families, and communities.
2. **Enhanced Safety for Correctional Staff**: By tightening regulations around prohibited items, including phones, the Act aims to improve the safety and security of correctional facilities. This could lead to a safer work environment for correctional officers and staff, reducing the risk of violence and contraband-related incidents. Increased safety can positively affect staff morale and job satisfaction, ultimately benefiting the overall functioning of correctional facilities.
3. **Policy Review and Improvements**: The requirement for the Bureau of Prisons to review and update its policies regarding inmate access to prohibited objects, including phones, can lead to better management practices within correctional facilities. This could enhance the protection of both inmates and staff by implementing more effective measures to prevent contraband. Improved policies may also lead to better rehabilitation opportunities for inmates, as facilities may adopt more comprehensive programs to address underlying issues related to contraband possession and usage.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3353 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3353
To increase the penalty for prohibited provision of a phone in a
correctional facility, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 13, 2025
Ms. Lee of Florida introduced the following bill; which was referred to
the Committee on the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To increase the penalty for prohibited provision of a phone in a
correctional facility, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping
Prison Contraband Act''.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITED PROVISION OF A PHONE.
Section 1791(b) of title 18, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs
(5) and (6), respectively;
(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) in the case of a violation of subsection (a)(1),
imprisonment for not more than 2 years, or both, if the object
is specified in subsection (d)(1)(F) of this section;''; and
(3) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by inserting ``,
in the case of a violation of subsection (a)(2),'' before
``(d)(1)(F)''.
SEC. 3. REVIEW OF POLICIES.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Director of the Bureau of Prisons shall--
(1) conduct a review of the policies of the Bureau of
Prisons pertaining to inmates who make, possess, obtain, or
attempt to make or obtain a prohibited object, as defined in
section 1791(d)(1) of title 18, United States Code; and
(2) update those policies as needed to improve protections
for incarcerated individuals and staff.
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