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

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.