Ossoff Bill Ensures Health Updates to Prisoner Family Members

Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Representative John Rutherford (R-FL), and other U.S. Representatives have introduced the bipartisan Family Notification of Death, Injury, or Illness in Custody Act. When inmates and those in custody suffer a serious change in their health status (illness, injury, death), family members would be notified in a "timely and compassionate manner."

Sen. Ossoff's bill would require the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to implement policies and procedures for family notification by issuing central guidance to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), per Sen. Ossoff's office. The legislation would also direct the Attorney General to develop and distribute model notification policies and procedures to state and local detention agencies.

Moreover, Sen. Ossoff shared that this issue can take a major emotional toll on families if left unchecked.

“Too often, the families of those incarcerated never find out about a serious illness, a life-threatening injury, or even the death of a loved one behind bars. That’s why Senator Kennedy and I are introducing this bipartisan reform legislation,” Sen. Ossoff said.

Rep. Rutherford mentioned that nobody "should be left in the dark" concerning their family member's health status while in government custody.

“Every family member deserves to be notified if their loved one has passed away, is injured, or becomes ill,” said Rep. Rutherford (R-FL). “As a former sheriff, I understand the importance of notifying families about the health challenges their loved ones are facing while in custody. No parent, spouse, or child should be left in the dark. That’s why I am proud to join my colleagues in the House and Senate to introduce bipartisan legislation to ensure compassionate notification of a detainee’s health status to their family members.”

The bipartisan companion bill is also being introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Barry Moore (R-AL), and Glenn Ivey (D-MD).