Bill > HR3603

This bill, named after Andrew Kearse, establishes new legal requirements and penalties for federal law enforcement officers, Bureau of Prisons staff, and U.S. Marshals Service employees when individuals in their custody display medical distress. The legislation makes it unlawful for these "covered officials" to negligently fail to obtain or provide immediate medical attention (which specifically includes addressing breathing difficulties) when an individual in their custody shows signs of medical distress. If such failure results in unnecessary pain, injury, or death, the official can be fined, imprisoned for up to one year, or both. The bill also mandates that the appropriate Inspector General investigate any such incidents and, if negligence is found, refer the case to the Attorney General for prosecution. Additionally, the bill requires agencies to establish a confidential complaint process for reporting these incidents and mandates training for covered officials on providing medical assistance. States' attorneys general are also empowered to bring civil actions in federal court on behalf of residents who have been harmed by such negligence, seeking equitable and declaratory relief.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3603/all-info