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Combating Workplace Discrimination in Correctional Facilities Act of 2023

12/16/2023, 10:56 AM

Summary of Bill S 517

Bill 118 s 517, also known as the Combating Workplace Discrimination in Correctional Facilities Act of 2023, aims to address issues of discrimination and harassment in correctional facilities across the United States. The bill specifically focuses on workplace discrimination, ensuring that employees in these facilities are protected from unfair treatment based on factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

The bill outlines specific measures to combat discrimination, including the establishment of training programs for correctional facility staff to educate them on diversity, inclusion, and anti-discrimination practices. It also requires facilities to implement policies and procedures for reporting and addressing instances of discrimination, as well as providing support for victims.

Additionally, the bill calls for the creation of a task force to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of these measures in combating workplace discrimination in correctional facilities. The task force will be responsible for collecting data, conducting surveys, and making recommendations for further improvements. Overall, the Combating Workplace Discrimination in Correctional Facilities Act of 2023 seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable work environment for employees in correctional facilities, ultimately improving the overall safety and well-being of both staff and inmates.

Congressional Summary of S 517

Combating Workplace Discrimination in Correctional Facilities Act of 2023

This bill provides certain rights and protections for prisoners who refuse to or do not work while in prison.

Specifically, the bill prohibits the Department of Justice from requiring a prisoner to participate in a work program.

Additionally, the bill allows a prisoner to file a civil rights lawsuit under federal law without first exhausting all administrative remedies. Currently, a prisoner must exhaust all administrative remedies before filing such a lawsuit.

The bill prohibits any retaliation against a prisoner for refusal to work. It also prohibits the Bureau of Prisons from disciplining a prisoner for refusal to work.

Finally, the bill extends other federal statutory protections to prisoners by (1) including correctional facilities as covered employers and prisoners as covered employees under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with respect to employment-related discrimination against imprisoned workers, and (2) requiring correctional facilities to implement certain policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Current Status of Bill S 517

Bill S 517 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 16, 2023. Bill S 517 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on February 16, 2023.  Bill S 517's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. as of February 16, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 517

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 517

Primary Policy Focus

Crime and Law Enforcement

Comments

Sponsors and Cosponsors of S 517

Cory A. Booker
Cory A. Booker
New JerseyDemocrat

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