Bills · S 1322
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 1322Crime and Law Enforcement
Family Notification of Death, Injury, or Illness in Custody Act of 2025
INTRO APR 8· LAST ACTION APR 8
READING
10MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses a long-standing issue where families often struggle to get information when a loved one dies or suffers a serious event while in law enforcement custody. Currently, there isn't a consistent national standard, leading to delays, incomplete information, and added distress for grieving families. This bill aims to standardize the process at the federal level and provide guidance for other jurisdictions, ensuring that families are treated with dignity and compassion during highly sensitive times.
If this bill becomes law, families would receive critical information much faster and more comprehensively, helping them understand what happened and make necessary arrangements. If it doesn't pass, the current inconsistencies in notification practices would likely continue, leaving families vulnerable to poor communication and prolonged uncertainty when a loved one is in custody.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires federal detention agencies to implement policies for notifying next of kin or emergency contacts within one year if an individual in their custody dies, or becomes seriously ill or injured.
This establishes a mandatory federal standard for notification, ensuring consistency and timeliness in communication from government agencies.
PROVISION 02
Directs the Attorney General to develop and distribute model policies and provide assistance to state, local, and tribal detention agencies for similar notification procedures.
This encourages broader adoption of best practices beyond federal facilities, promoting humane treatment nationwide without mandating it for non-federal entities.
PROVISION 03
Mandates that agencies obtain emergency contact information, medical proxy details, and faith leader preferences when an individual is taken into custody.
Gathering this information upfront is crucial for efficient and appropriate notification and medical decision-making when an emergency arises.
PROVISION 04
Sets specific notification requirements for death, including notification within 12 hours (between 6 AM and midnight) with details like cause of death and investigation status.
This provision ensures families receive prompt, specific, and vital information about a death, addressing current gaps and delays.
PROVISION 05
Requires agencies to provide notification in a compassionate and professional manner, including training for staff and specific communication methods (e.g., in-person or phone call followed by a letter).
This aims to minimize trauma for families by ensuring notifications are handled with sensitivity and clarity.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· Georgia
YRS IN OFFICE
5
BILLS LED
23
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSAPR 8
Introduced in Senate
APR 8
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 1322
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedApr 8, 2025
Last actionApr 8, 2025
READER REACTIONS
OVERALL SENTIMENT
No reactions yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Discussion
Loading comments...
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED APR 8, 2025
Senate BillS 1322Crime and Law Enforcement
Family Notification of Death, Injury, or Illness in Custody Act of 2025
INTRODUCED APR 8, 2025· LAST ACTION APR 8, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
10 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
