S736-119

What This Bill Does

The Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act adds phones to the federal prohibited-objects statute for prisons and requires the Bureau of Prisons to review policies for inmates who make, receive, or possess unauthorized communication devices. The bill targets contraband cell phones that allow incarcerated people to coordinate threats, fraud, drug trafficking, witness intimidation, or other crimes from inside prison.

Who Benefits and How

Correctional officers benefit because criminalizing phone provision can reduce a major prison-security risk. Victims and witnesses benefit if fewer contraband phones are available for intimidation or retaliation. Federal prison administrators benefit from clearer statutory authority and a required policy review. Local communities benefit if prison-based criminal coordination becomes harder.

Who Bears the Burden and How

People who provide phones to federal prisoners face new or increased criminal penalties. Inmates using contraband phones face higher enforcement risk. The Bureau of Prisons must review communication policies and implement any needed changes. Federal prosecutors must evaluate cases involving provision of phones as prison contraband.

Key Provisions

• Adds prohibited provision of a phone to the federal prison contraband statute.
• Requires the Bureau of Prisons Director to review policies on unauthorized inmate communication.
• Targets inmates who make, receive, or possess unauthorized phones or similar devices.
• Creates a security-focused enforcement tool named for Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati.