Senators Booker and Harris Introduce Legislation to Release Certain Federal Inmates Due to COVID-19

U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Kamala Harris (D-CA), both members of the Judiciary Committee, today introduced a bill aimed at the large federal prison population that is particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), will introduce companion legislation in the House of Representatives this week.

According to the bill, the following individuals in federal prison would be eligible for immediate placement in community supervision:

Pregnant individuals (seven percent of women in federal prison are pregnant)

Individuals with diabetes

Individuals with congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease

Individuals with chronic lung disease or asthma

Individuals with other immune system deficiencies, such as HIV, sickle cell anemia, or cancer

Individuals who are 50 years of age or older and are nonviolent offenders)

Individuals who have 12 months or less to serve on their sentence

We here at NPSC (and yes we are still hard at work) are hopeful that Congress will fast track this legislation so that inmates lives are not unnecessarily sacrificed. One inmate in Louisiana ( FCI-Oakdale) has already died of COVID-19 and 19 other federal inmates and 19 staff members have tested positive. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call at 615-696-6153 or email us at [email protected].