Federal standards guide abuse prevention in confinement facilities

Covered agencies must comply with federal standards for preventing, detecting, and responding to sexual abuse. This applies to state agencies and local governments that confine adult or juvenile offenders, including people held for immigration violations. The listed settings include prisons, jails, community correctional centers, juvenile facilities, and lockups. Agencies must comply within available appropriations. This section takes effect July 1, 2026. The standards are those in effect on January 1, 2024.

Officials must certify juvenile-facility compliance, and the Department of Correction commissioner must report and issue regulations. The certification duty applies to state agencies and local governments that confine juvenile offenders. The reporting and regulation duties apply to the Department of Correction commissioner. The annual report must cover staff training, sexual assault reports involving people in custody or department staff, investigations, and their outcomes. The certification is due each year by January 15. The first commissioner’s report and regulations are due by January 1, 2027; reports continue annually.

The Correction Ombuds must receive and review sexual assault reports and complaints. This covers reports or complaints of sexual assault involving a person in Department of Correction custody. The office must review copies sent under the related law and reports or complaints made directly to the office. This section takes effect July 1, 2026.