This bill mandates the Director of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to prevent fentanyl and other synthetic drugs from entering federal correctional facilities through postal mail. Congressional findings emphasize that inmate mail is a primary entry point for drug smuggling, leading to a significant rise in drug overdoses and posing serious threats to the health and safety of both employees and inmates. Within 180 days of enactment, the Director must evaluate existing drug interdiction equipment and technologies used across various correctional facilities. Following this evaluation, a detailed strategy must be submitted to Congress within 90 days, outlining how all federal correctional facilities will achieve the capability to protect staff and inmates from drug exposure and ensure 100 percent scanning capacity of all incoming mail. The strategy requires that inmates receive a digital copy of their mail within 24 hours, with the original physical copy (if drug-free) delivered within 30 days, while also preserving attorney-client privilege for legal mail. It must include an assessment of necessary technology, personnel, training, and a budgetary proposal for fiscal years 2025-2027. The BOP Director is required to complete the strategy's implementation within three years, subject to appropriations, and provide annual progress reports to Congress on its effectiveness and detected drug quantities.
Computers and information technologyCongressional oversightCorrectional facilities and imprisonmentDrug trafficking and controlled substancesPostal service
Marc Fischer Memorial Act
USA119th CongressHR-1046| House
| Updated: 2/6/2025
This bill mandates the Director of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to prevent fentanyl and other synthetic drugs from entering federal correctional facilities through postal mail. Congressional findings emphasize that inmate mail is a primary entry point for drug smuggling, leading to a significant rise in drug overdoses and posing serious threats to the health and safety of both employees and inmates. Within 180 days of enactment, the Director must evaluate existing drug interdiction equipment and technologies used across various correctional facilities. Following this evaluation, a detailed strategy must be submitted to Congress within 90 days, outlining how all federal correctional facilities will achieve the capability to protect staff and inmates from drug exposure and ensure 100 percent scanning capacity of all incoming mail. The strategy requires that inmates receive a digital copy of their mail within 24 hours, with the original physical copy (if drug-free) delivered within 30 days, while also preserving attorney-client privilege for legal mail. It must include an assessment of necessary technology, personnel, training, and a budgetary proposal for fiscal years 2025-2027. The BOP Director is required to complete the strategy's implementation within three years, subject to appropriations, and provide annual progress reports to Congress on its effectiveness and detected drug quantities.
Computers and information technologyCongressional oversightCorrectional facilities and imprisonmentDrug trafficking and controlled substancesPostal service