A bipartisan bill aimed at boosting safety and oversight across federal correctional facilities is now heading to the president’s desk after clearing the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday.
The measure, titled the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, was introduced by Florida Congresswoman Laurel Lee and passed the House under a suspension of the rules. The legislation represents a bicameral effort, following the passage of a companion version in the Senate led by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA).
The legislation targets working conditions inside federal prisons by tightening oversight, improving facility safety standards, and addressing inmate misconduct, specifically incidents of sexual abuse and harassment directed at prison workers. Under the bill, federal facilities face stricter requirements to investigate all allegations and provide stronger legal protections for correctional officers who are assaulted on duty.
Lawmakers from both chambers emphasized the need for immediate workplace protections for federal correctional employees.
“I am incredibly proud to see the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act head to the President’s desk and become one step closer to being a law,” Rep. Laurel Lee said. “For far too long, too many Bureau of Prisons employees have faced sexual harassment and assault by inmates while they are just trying to do their job. This bill is a very important step toward strengthening oversight, protecting our hardworking correctional officers, and ensuring the inmates who commit these horrific crimes are held accountable to the fullest extent. I remain committed to advancing reforms that strengthen public safety, support law enforcement, and improve the justice system.”
Senator Blackburn echoed the focus on officer safety following the vote.
“No law enforcement officer should have to fear for their safety when they show up to work,” Blackburn said. “The Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act would help us end the sexual abuse of prison staff who are simply trying to do their jobs.”
With final passage secured in both congressional chambers, the bill now awaits the president’s signature to be enacted into law.
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