# Prison Staffing Reform Act of 2022

The federal prison system is severely understaffed, and this bill requires the Bureau of Prisons to figure out exactly how bad the problem is and create a plan to fix it. Right now, the Bureau runs 121 prisons across the country with nearly 35,000 employees, but many facilities don't have enough staff to operate safely and effectively. This bill forces the agency to conduct a thorough, independent review of the staffing crisis and submit a detailed plan to Congress within six months.

The review will examine how understaffing affects both prisoners and guards. For inmates, the bill focuses on real problems like long waiting lists for medical care, limited access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, delays in processing requests for early release, and reduced educational and rehabilitation programs. The bill also recognizes that understaffing puts guards at risk—they work excessive mandatory overtime, face dangerous conditions, and experience high stress and burnout. The review will also look at how staffing shortages affect prison security, including problems with contraband detection and outdated security systems.

Beyond just identifying problems, the bill requires the Bureau to submit a concrete staffing plan that includes specific numbers of correctional officers and support staff (like teachers, counselors, and medical personnel) needed at each facility. The agency must also hire an outside organization to conduct the review—not do it themselves—and must consult with prison employee unions, civil rights groups, and organizations focused on reducing recidivism. Additionally, the National Academy of Medicine or another independent organization must evaluate the quality of medical care in federal prisons.

Once the plan is submitted, the Bureau of Prisons has three years to actually implement it and hire the necessary staff. Congress will receive annual progress reports to track whether the agency is following through. The bill essentially puts a spotlight on a serious problem and forces the government to develop and execute a solution, though success ultimately depends on whether Congress appropriates enough money to fund the hiring and improvements outlined in the plan.

Prison Staffing Reform Act of 2022

Speier, Jackie

Prison Staffing Reform Act of 2022 This bill requires the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to (1) complete (through an external entity) a comprehensive review of staffing across the BOP, and (2) implement a plan for filling vacancies.