Prison Staffing Reform Act of 2025
The Prison Staffing Reform Act of 2025 would require the Director of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to commission a comprehensive, external review of understaffing across all BOP facilities and related operations. The bill sets out a detailed plan to address vacancies, reduce mandated overtime and improperly used augmentation (temporary or reassign staffing), and establish staffing guidelines for both correctional and non-correctional positions. It also mandates independent assessments of medical care quality and a three-year strategic plan with cost projections to fill vacancies and maintain staffing. The act emphasizes collaboration with a union local (AFGE C-33) and civil rights/recidivism-focused organizations, and requires annual progress reports to Congress, subject to funding. If enacted, the bill would likely increase scrutiny of staffing levels, drive targeted recruitment and retention efforts, standardize staffing needs by housing unit and department, upgrade security and communications infrastructure, and improve access to medical, mental health, education, and recidivism programming. The plan would be implemented only if funding is available, as the bill ties implementation to appropriations.
Key Points
- 1Comprehensive external review of understaffing: Within 180 days of enactment, a non-BOP organization must conduct the review and assess the effects on staff, inmates, and agency spending.
- 2Staffing plan and guidelines: The Director must submit a plan to recruit, fill vacancies, reduce overtime/augmentation, and develop staffing guidelines for both correctional officers and non-correctional staff (teachers, counselors, medical staff), broken down by housing unit/building/location, shifts, and security levels.
- 3Stakeholder involvement: The external review must consult with the AFGE Council of Prison Locals C-33, civil rights groups, and organizations focused on recidivism-reducing programming.
- 4Independent medical care assessment: The bill requires an additional, independent review (by the National Academy of Medicine or another capable organization) of the adequacy and quality of medical care for those in BOP custody.
- 5Methodology and cost analysis: The review will compare BOP staffing methodologies, identify misalignments, and include a three-year strategic plan with cost projections for filling vacancies and maintaining staffing.
- 6Implementation and oversight: If funded, the plan must be implemented within three years of submission, with annual progress reports to Congress and the AFGE C-33.