Bill > HR7033

This bill, titled the "Federal Correctional Officer Paycheck Protection Act of 2026," aims to improve the recruitment and retention of Federal correctional officers by establishing special base rates of pay. It defines a "Federal correctional officer" broadly to include those employed by the Bureau of Prisons whose duties primarily involve the custody, control, or supervision of inmates, or routinely include direct inmate contact in a custodial setting. The bill mandates that these officers receive a special base rate of pay that is 35 percent higher than their current General Schedule base rate or LEO (Law Enforcement Officer) special base rate, with certain limitations, and this increased rate will be considered basic pay for various purposes, including retirement benefits. Additionally, it applies a similar 35 percent wage increase to certain prevailing rate employees within the Bureau of Prisons who have direct inmate contact and are classified at or below grade 9 of the Federal Wage System, also with a cap. These new pay provisions are set to expire after five years, but their continuation will depend on a review by the Department of Justice Inspector General, who will assess whether the Bureau of Prisons has made progress in reducing the use of non-custodial staff for correctional duties (known as "augmentation") and excessive mandatory overtime, and whether the pay increases have positively impacted recruitment, retention, and institutional safety.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7033/all-info