PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 114-133.
Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Mar 9, 2016
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.)
Eric Williams Correctional Officer Protection Act of 2015
(Sec. 2) This bill amends the federal criminal code to require the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to issue oleoresin capsicum spray (i.e., pepper spray) to officers and employees who respond to emergency situations at high-security, medium-security, and administrative facilities.
Officers and employees may use pepper spray to reduce violent acts by prisoners and visitors.
An officer of employee must complete a training course prior to receiving pepper spray and annually thereafter on its use.
(Sec. 3) The Government Accountability Office must: (1) evaluate the effect of issuing pepper spray on reducing crime and violence in high-security, medium-security, and administrative facilities; (2) evaluate the advisability of issuing pepper spray at low- or minimum-security facilities; and (3) recommend safety improvements for BOP officers and employees.
People & committees
Sen. Toomey, Patrick [R-PA] · R–PA
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 114-133.
Became Public Law No: 114-133.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H865-866)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H865-866)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 238.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H865-869)
Mr. Goodlatte moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S8703-8704)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(text: CR S8703-8704)
Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8703-8704)
Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S8703-8704)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
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Analyze S.238 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.
Examine S.238 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine S.238 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine S.238 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.