H.R.3353 - Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 3353, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act, aims to increase penalties for providing phones to inmates in correctional facilities. It amends Section 1791(b) of Title 18, United States Code, to include a specific penalty for providing phones. The bill also mandates a review of the Bureau of Prisons' policies regarding inmates possessing prohibited objects and updates to improve protections for incarcerated individuals and staff.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to stricter enforcement and potentially reduced availability of contraband phones within prisons. This could enhance safety for both inmates and correctional staff by limiting unauthorized communication. The policy review may also result in revised procedures for handling contraband and inmate behavior.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced Safety: Reduces the risk of inmates using contraband phones for illegal activities.
- Improved Security: Makes correctional facilities more secure by limiting unauthorized communication.
- Policy Updates: Ensures that Bureau of Prisons policies are up-to-date and effective.
- Deterrence: Increased penalties may deter individuals from providing contraband phones.
- Protection for Staff and Inmates: Aims to improve protections for both incarcerated individuals and staff.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Penalties: Could lead to harsher sentences for relatively minor offenses.
- Potential Overreach: May disproportionately affect individuals with limited resources or support systems.
- Enforcement Challenges: Detecting and preventing the provision of contraband phones can be difficult.
- Resource Allocation: Increased enforcement may require additional resources.
- Privacy Concerns: Policy reviews could lead to increased surveillance measures.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the government's power to regulate and maintain order within correctional facilities. It does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights, such as freedom of speech or due process, as it targets illegal activities within a controlled environment. The Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, could be relevant if the penalties are deemed excessive, but the proposed changes seem reasonable in the context of maintaining prison security.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).