H.R. 7111: Correctional Facility Disaster Preparedness Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Correctional Facility Disaster Preparedness Act of 2026, proposes several measures to enhance disaster preparedness and response within correctional facilities operated by the Bureau of Prisons. Here are the key components of the bill:

Annual Summary Report Requirement

The Director of the Bureau of Prisons will be required to submit an annual summary report to specified congressional committees and other oversight bodies. This report must cover:

• The extent of physical damage resulting from major disasters at Bureau of Prisons facilities and contract prisons.
• Data pertaining to injuries and loss of life among inmates and staff due to disasters.
• Access issues regarding health care, food, water, hygiene products, and more during such events.
• Guidance and data on early release or home confinement for inmates and the reasons for any approvals or denials of such requests.
• Information about visitation access during disasters and justifications for any changes.
• Accommodations for inmates with disabilities.
• Access to educational and work programs during disasters.
• Inmate grievances related to disaster impacts.
• Estimations of repair costs and the overall impact of disasters on staffing and resources.
• Additional factors affecting health, safety, and civil rights of the prison population.

Corrective Action Plan

The report must also include a plan outlining the agency's corrective actions aimed at improving and modernizing emergency preparedness plans in relation to disasters. This plan should come with a timeline for implementation.

Legislative Recommendations

Alongside the corrective action plan, the Bureau of Prisons must provide specific legislative recommendations for strengthening emergency preparedness within its facilities.

Appointment of a Responsible Official

Within 90 days of the bill’s enactment, the Director of the Bureau of Prisons is required to appoint an official tasked with overseeing the implementation of the corrective action plan.

Public Field Hearing

The National Institute of Corrections is mandated to conduct at least one public field hearing within a year following the enacting of this bill. This hearing will focus on various aspects including:

• Ensuring inmate access to vital supplies and services during disasters.
• Consideration of home confinement or early release for inmates.
• Establishing clear standards for inmate visitation during emergencies.
• Providing appropriate accommodations for inmates with disabilities.
• Utilization of federal funding for repairs on disaster-affected facilities.
• Incorporating risk management best practices into emergency preparedness plans.

Definitions

The bill specifies that a major disaster includes not only those declared by the President but also other natural disasters, extreme weather, and public health emergencies that may cause significant harm to correctional facilities.

Relevant Companies

None found.