Family Notification of Death, Injury, or Illness in Custody Act of 2021

12/30/2022, 3:04 AM

Family Notification of Death, Injury, or Illness in Custody Act of 2021

This bill requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to develop policies and procedures for notifying next-of-kin or other emergency contacts in the event of the death, or serious illness or serious injury, of an individual in custody.

The bill requires DOJ to implement the policies and procedures at its detention agencies. Further, the bill requires DOJ to distribute model policies and procedures to state, territorial, tribal, and local detention agencies.

Bill 117 HR 6296, also known as the Family Notification of Death, Injury, or Illness in Custody Act of 2021, was introduced in the US Congress with the aim of ensuring that families are promptly notified in the event of a loved one's death, injury, or illness while in custody of law enforcement or correctional facilities.

The bill requires that within 24 hours of a death, injury, or illness occurring in custody, the custodial agency must make reasonable efforts to notify the individual's next of kin or designated emergency contact. This notification must include the circumstances surrounding the incident and any relevant information about the individual's condition.

Additionally, the bill mandates that custodial agencies must provide families with access to relevant information, such as medical records and incident reports, upon request. This is intended to promote transparency and accountability in cases where individuals in custody experience harm. Furthermore, the bill requires custodial agencies to report all deaths, injuries, and illnesses in custody to the Department of Justice, which will then compile and publish an annual report on these incidents. This data collection and reporting requirement aims to shed light on trends and patterns of harm in custody, ultimately leading to improved oversight and accountability. Overall, the Family Notification of Death, Injury, or Illness in Custody Act of 2021 seeks to prioritize the well-being of individuals in custody by ensuring that their families are promptly informed of any incidents and provided with necessary information. By promoting transparency and accountability, the bill aims to prevent future harm and improve the treatment of individuals in custody.
Congress
117

Number
HR - 6296

Introduced on
2021-12-16

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

12/16/2021

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Family Notification of Death, Injury, or Illness in Custody Act of 2021

This bill requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to develop policies and procedures for notifying next-of-kin or other emergency contacts in the event of the death, or serious illness or serious injury, of an individual in custody.

The bill requires DOJ to implement the policies and procedures at its detention agencies. Further, the bill requires DOJ to distribute model policies and procedures to state, territorial, tribal, and local detention agencies.

Bill 117 HR 6296, also known as the Family Notification of Death, Injury, or Illness in Custody Act of 2021, was introduced in the US Congress with the aim of ensuring that families are promptly notified in the event of a loved one's death, injury, or illness while in custody of law enforcement or correctional facilities.

The bill requires that within 24 hours of a death, injury, or illness occurring in custody, the custodial agency must make reasonable efforts to notify the individual's next of kin or designated emergency contact. This notification must include the circumstances surrounding the incident and any relevant information about the individual's condition.

Additionally, the bill mandates that custodial agencies must provide families with access to relevant information, such as medical records and incident reports, upon request. This is intended to promote transparency and accountability in cases where individuals in custody experience harm. Furthermore, the bill requires custodial agencies to report all deaths, injuries, and illnesses in custody to the Department of Justice, which will then compile and publish an annual report on these incidents. This data collection and reporting requirement aims to shed light on trends and patterns of harm in custody, ultimately leading to improved oversight and accountability. Overall, the Family Notification of Death, Injury, or Illness in Custody Act of 2021 seeks to prioritize the well-being of individuals in custody by ensuring that their families are promptly informed of any incidents and provided with necessary information. By promoting transparency and accountability, the bill aims to prevent future harm and improve the treatment of individuals in custody.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo establish Federal policies and procedures to notify the next-of-kin or other emergency contact upon the death, or serious illness or serious injury, of an individual in Federal custody, to provide model policies for States, units of local government, and Indian Tribes to implement and enforce similar policies and procedures, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Crime and Law Enforcement

Potential Impact
Correctional facilities and imprisonment•
Criminal justice information and records•
Detention of persons•
Emergency communications systems•
Emergency medical services and trauma care•
Government information and archives•
Government studies and investigations•
Health information and medical records•
Intergovernmental relations•
Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary8/10/2022

Family Notification of Death, Injury, or Illness in Custody Act of 2021

This bill requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to develop policies and procedures for notifying next-of-kin or other emergency contacts in the eve...


Latest Action11/1/2022
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.