Family Notification of Death, Injury, or Illness in Custody Act of 2025

This bill sets clear, nationwide rules so families are told quickly and respectfully if someone dies, is seriously hurt, or becomes very sick while in government custody. The Justice Department must put these rules in place for federal facilities and share model policies that states, Tribes, and local jails and prisons can use within one year of the law taking effect. It covers people under arrest, being transported, or held in jails, prisons, or juvenile facilities.

Agencies must ask for emergency contact information when taking someone into custody, explain how it will be used, and let people update it anytime. Sharing a contact is optional—no one can be pressured or punished for not providing it—and the information must stay private and only be used as the law allows . If a death happens, family must be notified within 12 hours; for a serious illness or injury, within 48 hours and, when possible, before major procedures—notifications should occur between 6 a.m. and midnight local time and include key details. Notices should be compassionate and private, not by voicemail for deaths or serious illness, and agencies must document all attempts to reach the family. When someone is seriously ill or injured, agencies must allow meaningful communication and visits when practicable. If an autopsy is planned, the family must be told within 12 hours and receive the report when it’s done. Belongings and remains must be handled with care, giving the family at least seven days to decide what to do . Agencies must post their notification plans online and include them in intake materials; the Justice Department must require its contract facilities to follow these rules; and an ombudsman will take and investigate complaints. Information shared in violation of the law can’t be used in court unless it’s found another way, and being named as next-of-kin doesn’t create any legal or financial duties .

Key points

• Who is covered: People in federal custody (including those under arrest or in transport), their families or chosen contacts; federal detention agencies and their contractors; plus model policies for states, Tribes, and local jails/prisons .
• What changes: Timely, compassionate family notifications with required details; options for hospital communication and visits during serious illness/injury; autopsy notice and report; respectful handling of remains and property; public posting of policies; an ombudsman for complaints; strong privacy rules; and no penalty for not listing a contact .
• When: Justice Department policies and state model policies due within one year of enactment; death notices within 12 hours; serious illness/injury notices within 48 hours; autopsy notice within 12 hours; at least seven days for families to decide on remains; contract facilities must adopt rules shortly after taking custody .