PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Jul 25, 2024
Federal Prison Oversight Act
This act establishes an inspections regime for the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
The Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General must conduct risk-based evaluations of BOP facilities.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
An inspection of a facility may be announced or unannounced. Higher risk facilities must receive more frequent inspections.
The bill (1) provides for the establishment in DOJ of an ombudsman who may receive complaints, make inquiries and recommend actions, and decline to investigate or take action, as specified; and (2) prohibits BOP retaliation against any person or entity that has instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding, investigation, or inspection under this act.
The ombudsman shall coordinate with the BOP to educate incarcerated people, their representatives, and the public about the existence and functions of the ombudsman.
This act becomes effective 90 days after appropriations are made available to DOJ and the DOJ Office of Inspector General for the specific purpose of carrying out this act. On and after such effective date, BOP must ensure that non-custody correctional employees spend 90% of their work week in their primary positions.
People & committees
Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-7] · D–GA
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 118-71.
Became Public Law No: 118-71.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4334-4337)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4334-4337)
Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 392 - 2 (Roll no. 220). (text: CR H3369-3372)
House roll call 220 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 392 - 2 (Roll no. 220). (text: CR H3369-3372)
House roll call 220 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3388-3389)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3019.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3369-3374)
Ms. Mace moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 41 - 1.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.3019 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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