Private Prison Information Act of 2021

Private Prison Information Act of 2021

This bill specifies that a record related to a nonfederal prison, correctional, or detention facility must be considered a federal agency record for purposes of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

A nonfederal prison, correctional, or detention facility must disclose information under FOIA unless the information is exempt from disclosure or the disclosure is prohibited by law.

The term nonfederal prison, correctional, or detention facility means (1) a private prison, correctional, or detention facility; or (2) a state or local prison, jail, or other correctional or detention facility.

Bill 117 HR 5853, also known as the Private Prison Information Act of 2021, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to increase transparency and accountability in the private prison industry.

The bill requires private prisons that contract with the federal government to provide detailed information about their operations, including data on the demographics of the incarcerated population, the conditions of confinement, and the services provided to inmates. This information would be made publicly available on a government website, allowing for greater oversight and scrutiny of private prison facilities.

Additionally, the bill prohibits private prisons from entering into contracts that contain clauses requiring the government to maintain a certain level of occupancy in the facility. This practice, known as "occupancy guarantees," has been criticized for incentivizing the incarceration of individuals and contributing to the growth of the private prison industry. Overall, the Private Prison Information Act of 2021 aims to shed light on the operations of private prisons and ensure that they are held accountable for the treatment of inmates. By increasing transparency and prohibiting certain harmful practices, this bill seeks to improve the oversight of private prison facilities and protect the rights of incarcerated individuals.