A pair of U.S. Senators introduced a bill on Wednesday aimed at curbing violence behind bars by significantly ramping up the legal consequences for inmates who attack prison staff.
The legislation, titled the Safer Prisons Act of 2026, was brought forward by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.).
If passed, the bill would amend federal law to double the maximum prison sentence for anyone convicted of assaulting a Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) correctional officer. It would also increase the maximum fines associated with these crimes.
The move comes in response to data showing a rise in violent encounters within the federal prison system. Supporters of the bill argue that current penalties aren’t doing enough to protect the men and women working on the front lines of the nation’s penitentiaries.
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“Federal prisons have become increasingly unsafe for the brave men and women who serve as federal corrections officers,” Senator Blackburn said in a statement. She noted that these assaults often leave officers struggling with PTSD even as they remain on the job. “The Safer Prisons Act would deter these acts of violence by doubling the criminal penalties for assaulting a BOP correctional officer.”
The bill’s co-sponsor, Senator Cotton, echoed the need for a stronger deterrent against physical confrontations. “Assaulting a federal corrections officer is completely unacceptable,” Cotton said. “Our bill would double the criminal penalties for these criminals that attack our officers.”
Beyond the impact on staff, the bill’s background documentation points out that a rise in violence creates a “volatile environment” that puts other inmates at risk. By increasing the stakes for those who strike guards, the senators hope to stabilize facilities that have seen a “startling increase” in dangerous incidents.
The bill, officially designated as S.ll in the 119th Congress, has been referred to committee for further review. If it becomes law, it will specifically target Section 111 of title 18 of the United States Code, ensuring that the “maximum term of imprisonment shall be doubled” whenever a BOP officer is the victim of an assault.
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