Biden Enacts Law to Strengthen Oversight of Federal Prisons Amid Scandals

President Joe Biden signed a new law to enhance oversight of the crisis-stricken federal Bureau of Prisons. The Federal Prison Oversight Act introduces stricter inspections and establishes an independent ombudsman. The law stems from an AP investigation revealing systemic corruption and failures in the prison system.

President Joe Biden signed into law on Thursday a pivotal bill aimed at bolstering oversight of the beleaguered federal Bureau of Prisons. This follows an exhaustive investigation by The Associated Press that uncovered systemic corruption, abuses, and operational failures within the federal prison system.

The Federal Prison Oversight Act, approved by the Senate on July 10 and the House in May, mandates the appointment of an independent ombudsman to address complaints of sexual assaults, misconduct by staff, chronic understaffing, escapes, and notable deaths. The Act also requires the Justice Department's inspector general to conduct risk-based inspections of all 122 federal prison facilities, offering recommendations for improvements and assigning risk scores. High-risk facilities will be subjected to more frequent inspections.

Bureau of Prisons Director Colette Peters has endorsed the new legislation but testified that substantial additional funding would be necessary to implement the mandated changes effectively. The legislation was introduced by Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., following his Senate subcommittee's investigation into the Bureau of Prisons. The law also stipulates that the Inspector General must report findings to Congress and the public, with the Bureau required to respond with corrective action plans within 60 days.

(With inputs from agencies.)