Correctional Facility Disaster Preparedness Act of 2026

H.R. 7111, the Correctional Facility Disaster Preparedness Act of 2026, would strengthen how federal prisons prepare for and respond to natural disasters and public health emergencies. The bill would require the Bureau of Prisons to submit annual damage assessment reports to Congress following presidential disaster declarations, detailing the effects on inmates' health and safety along with corrective actions to address preparedness gaps.

The legislation would also expand the National Institute of Corrections Advisory Board by adding three permanent members: a formerly incarcerated individual, an emergency coordinator, and a public health expert specializing in communicable diseases. The bill would require this expanded board to publicly examine how correctional facilities can better incorporate the needs of incarcerated individuals into their emergency preparedness and recovery plans. These changes aim to address health and safety concerns that emerged during natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic in federal and state prisons.

The bill is currently referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary and has not yet been voted on by the full House. If enacted, it would apply to federal correctional facilities and could influence how prisons nationwide approach disaster preparedness.