Sponsors (7)
The bill strengthens enforcement and prison-safety rules by creating a specific criminal penalty and requiring updated BOP policies with a one-year deadline, but risks overbroad application, higher prosecution and administrative costs, and uneven implementation that could increase punitive measures for incarcerated people and burden taxpayers and staff.
Federal prosecutors and victims: the bill creates a clear, tailored criminal penalty for crimes involving the specified object, improving prosecutors' ability to charge offenses and giving victims stronger legal recourse.
Bureau of Prisons staff and incarcerated people: updated BOP policies will improve safety and reduce injuries related to prohibited objects inside facilities.
Incarcerated people across BOP facilities (including people with disabilities, veterans, and pregnant people): clearer, standardized rules will reduce inconsistent disciplinary actions by making handling of prohibited objects uniform.
Incarcerated people and federal staff: broad or ambiguous definitions and expanded policy restrictions could lead to overcriminalization and more punitive disciplinary measures or reduced access to personal property.
Taxpayers and defendants: creating a new criminal penalty could increase prosecutions and prison sentences, raising costs for the justice system and for individuals prosecuted under the new rule.
Taxpayers and BOP staff: updating policies will impose administrative costs and require staff training paid by taxpayers.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Creates a federal penalty (up to 2 years) for making/possessing a specific prohibited object and requires the Bureau of Prisons to review and update related policies within one year.
Introduced February 26, 2025 by Charles Ernest Grassley · Last progress February 26, 2025
Creates a new federal crime for making or possessing a specific prohibited object already identified in federal law, punishable by up to 2 years in prison and/or a fine. Requires the Bureau of Prisons to review and, if needed, update its policies on inmates who make, possess, obtain, or try to make or obtain "prohibited objects," with that review completed within one year after the law takes effect.