Corrections_Today_Winter_2024-2025_Vol.86_No.4

News&Views

WASHINGTON WATCH

ACA on the Hill Current legislative action in corrections By BBM Staff A CA is making significant strides on Capitol Hill, advocating for policies that enhance the effectiveness and safety of the correctional system.

Our priorities include rehabilita tion, mental health and substance use treatment, and the overall safety and welfare of both incarcerated individuals and staff. This advocacy will promote evidence-based prac tices and foster informed dialogue among a wide range of stakeholders. Below is a list of high-priority ar eas where ACA is actively engaged: Counter UAS authorities ACA is working with Congress on solutions to address threats from uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) or drones. ACA is engaged in ongoing discussions in both the House and Senate regarding counter-UAS (C UAS) legislation aimed at expanding detection and mitigation authorities through pilot programs to state and local law enforcement, including correctional facilities. Leading leg islative proposals would gradually move the needle on expanding miti gation authorities and capabilities

Adobe Stock/sherryvsmith

beyond a select few Federal agencies. The Senate bill, led by Senators Gary Peters and Ron Johnson, pro poses the most expansive approach, while the House bill, backed by leaders from the Judiciary, Trans portation, and Homeland Security Committees, offers a more limited expansion. ACA has successfully highlighted the threats faced by correctional facilities during negotiations on these bills. Congressional offices

now recognize the need to give state and local law enforcement agencies, including corrections, expanded detection and mitigation authority to address today’s significant threats and have recognized that our cor rectional facilities are dealing with these threats every day. We are hopeful that compromise legislation can be finalized before the end of this Congress. No matter the outcome, ACA’s work this year has positioned us well to continue

Corrections Today | Winter 2024-2025

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