[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 41 (Thursday, March 7, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1735-S1743]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

      By Mr. THUNE:
  S. 700. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide 
a safe harbor for determinations of worker classification, to require 
increased reporting, and for other purposes; to the Committee on 
Finance.
  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of 
the bill be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

[[Page S1736]]

  


                                 S. 700

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``New Economy Works to 
     Guarantee Independence and Growth Act of 2019'' or the ``NEW 
     GIG Act of 2019''.

     SEC. 2. DETERMINATION OF WORKER CLASSIFICATION.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 79 of the Internal Revenue Code of 
     1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     section:

     ``SEC. 7706. DETERMINATION OF WORKER CLASSIFICATION.

       ``(a) In General.--For purposes of this title (and 
     notwithstanding any provision of this title not contained in 
     this section to the contrary), if the requirements of 
     subsections (b), (c), and (d) are met with respect to any 
     service performed by a service provider, then with respect to 
     such service--
       ``(1) the service provider shall not be treated as an 
     employee,
       ``(2) the service recipient shall not be treated as an 
     employer,
       ``(3) any payor shall not be treated as an employer, and
       ``(4) the compensation paid or received for such service 
     shall not be treated as paid or received with respect to 
     employment.
       ``(b) General Service Provider Requirements.--
       ``(1) In general.--The requirements of this subsection are 
     met with respect to any service if the service provider 
     either--
       ``(A) meets the requirements of paragraph (2) with respect 
     to such service, or
       ``(B) in the case of a service provider engaged in the 
     trade or business of selling (or soliciting the sale of) 
     goods or services, meets the requirements of paragraph (3) 
     with respect to such service.
       ``(2) General requirements.--
       ``(A) In general.--The requirements of this paragraph are 
     met with respect to any service if the service provider, in 
     connection with performing the service--
       ``(i) incurs expenses--

       ``(I) which are deductible under section 162, and
       ``(II) a significant portion of which are not reimbursed,

       ``(ii) agrees to perform the service for a particular 
     amount of time, to achieve a specific result, or to complete 
     a specific task, and
       ``(iii) satisfies not less than 1 of the factors described 
     in subparagraph (B).
       ``(B) Factors.--The factors described in this subparagraph 
     are the following:
       ``(i) The service provider has a significant investment in 
     assets or training which are applicable to the service 
     performed.
       ``(ii) The service provider is not required to perform 
     services exclusively for the service recipient or payor.
       ``(iii) The service provider has not been treated as an 
     employee by the service recipient or payor for substantially 
     the same services during the 1-year period ending with the 
     date of the commencement of services under the contract 
     described in subsection (d).
       ``(iv) The service provider is not compensated on a basis 
     which is tied primarily to the number of hours actually 
     worked.
       ``(3) Alternative requirements with respect to sales 
     persons.--In the case of a service provider engaged in the 
     trade or business of selling (or soliciting the sale of) 
     goods or services, the requirements of this paragraph are met 
     with respect to any service provided in the ordinary course 
     of such trade or business if--
       ``(A) the service provider is compensated primarily on a 
     commission basis, and
       ``(B) substantially all the compensation for such service 
     is directly related to sales of goods or services rather than 
     to the number of hours worked.
       ``(c) Place of Business or Own Equipment Requirement.--The 
     requirement of this subsection is met with respect to any 
     service if the service provider--
       ``(1) has a principal place of business,
       ``(2) does not provide the service primarily in the service 
     recipient's place of business,
       ``(3) pays a fair market rent for use of the service 
     recipient's or payor's place of business, or
       ``(4) provides the service primarily using equipment 
     supplied by the service provider.
       ``(d) Written Contract Requirement.--The requirements of 
     this subsection are met with respect to any service if such 
     service is performed pursuant to a written contract between 
     the service provider and the service recipient or payor, 
     whichever is applicable, which meets the following 
     requirements:
       ``(1) The contract includes each of the following:
       ``(A) The service provider's name, taxpayer identification 
     number, and address.
       ``(B) A statement that the service provider will not be 
     treated as an employee with respect to the services provided 
     pursuant to the contract for purposes of this title.
       ``(C) A statement that the service recipient or payor will 
     withhold upon and report to the Internal Revenue Service the 
     compensation payable pursuant to the contract consistent with 
     the requirements of this title.
       ``(D) A statement that the service provider is responsible 
     for payment of Federal, State, and local taxes, including 
     self-employment taxes, on compensation payable pursuant to 
     the contract.
       ``(E) A statement that the contract is intended to be 
     considered a contract described in this subsection.

     The contract shall not fail to meet the requirements of this 
     paragraph merely because the information described in 
     subparagraph (A) is collected at the time payment is made for 
     the services and not in advance, or because the contract 
     provides that an agent of the service recipient or payor will 
     fulfill any of the responsibilities of the service recipient 
     or payor described in the preceding subparagraphs.
       ``(2) The term of the contract does not exceed 2 years. The 
     preceding sentence shall not prevent 1 or more subsequent 
     written renewals of the contract from satisfying the 
     requirements of this subsection if the term of each such 
     renewal does not exceed 2 years and if the information 
     required under paragraph (1)(A) is updated in connection with 
     each such renewal.
       ``(3) The contract (or renewal) is signed (which may 
     include signatures in electronic form) by the service 
     recipient or payor and the service provider not later than 
     the date on which the aggregate payments made by the service 
     recipient or payor to the service provider exceeds $1,000 for 
     the year covered by the contract (or renewal).
       ``(e) Reporting Requirements.--
       ``(1) In general.--For purposes of making any determination 
     with respect to the liability of a service recipient or payor 
     for any tax during any taxable year with respect to a service 
     provider, the application of this section shall be 
     conditioned on either the service recipient or the payor 
     satisfying the reporting requirements applicable to such 
     service recipient or payor under section 6041(a), 6041A(a), 
     or 6050W with respect to such service provider for such 
     period.
       ``(2) Reasonable cause.--For purposes of paragraph (1), 
     such reporting requirements shall be treated as met if the 
     failure to satisfy such requirements is due to reasonable 
     cause and not willful neglect.
       ``(f) Exception for Services Provided by Owner.--This 
     section shall not apply with respect to any service provided 
     by a service provider to a service recipient or payor if the 
     service provider owns any interest in the service recipient 
     or the payor with respect to the service provided. The 
     preceding sentence shall not apply in the case of a service 
     recipient or payor the stock of which is regularly traded on 
     an established securities market.
       ``(g) Limitation on Reclassification by Secretary.--For 
     purposes of this title--
       ``(1) Effect of reclassification on service recipients and 
     payors.--A determination by the Secretary that a service 
     recipient or a payor should have treated a service provider 
     as an employee shall be effective with respect to the service 
     recipient or payor no earlier than the notice date if--
       ``(A) the service recipient or the payor entered into a 
     written contract with the service provider which meets the 
     requirements of subsection (d),
       ``(B) the service recipient or the payor satisfied the 
     applicable reporting requirements of section 6041(a), 
     6041A(a), or 6050W for all relevant taxable years with 
     respect to the service provider,
       ``(C) the service recipient or the payor collected and paid 
     over all applicable taxes imposed under subtitle C for all 
     relevant taxable years with respect to the service provider, 
     and
       ``(D) the service recipient or the payor demonstrates a 
     reasonable basis for having determined that the service 
     provider should not be treated as an employee under this 
     section and that such determination was made in good faith.
       ``(2) Effect of reclassification on service providers.--A 
     determination by the Secretary that a service provider should 
     have been treated as an employee shall be effective with 
     respect to the service provider no earlier than the notice 
     date if--
       ``(A) the service provider entered into a written contract 
     with the service recipient or the payor which meets the 
     requirements of subsection (d),
       ``(B) the service provider satisfied the applicable 
     reporting requirements of sections 6012(a) and 6017 for all 
     relevant taxable years with respect to the service recipient 
     or the payor, and
       ``(C) the service provider demonstrates a reasonable basis 
     for determining that the service provider is not an employee 
     under this section and that such determination was made in 
     good faith.
       ``(3) Notice date.--For purposes of this subsection, the 
     term `notice date' means the 30th day after the earliest of--
       ``(A) the date on which the first letter of proposed 
     deficiency which allows the service provider, the service 
     recipient, or the payor an opportunity for administrative 
     review in the Internal Revenue Service Office of Appeals is 
     sent,
       ``(B) the date on which a deficiency notice under section 
     6212 is sent, or
       ``(C) the date on which a notice of determination under 
     section 7436(b)(2) is sent.
       ``(4) Reasonable cause exception.--The requirements of 
     paragraphs (1)(B), (1)(C), and (2)(B) shall be treated as met 
     if the failure to satisfy such requirements is due to 
     reasonable cause and not willful neglect.
       ``(5) No restriction on administrative or judicial 
     review.--Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as 
     limiting any provision of law which provides an opportunity 
     for administrative or judicial review of a determination by 
     the Secretary.
       ``(h) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall 
     be construed as--
       ``(1) limiting the ability or right of a service provider, 
     service recipient, or payor to

[[Page S1737]]

     apply any other provision of this title, section 530 of the 
     Revenue Act of 1978, or any common law rules for determining 
     whether an individual is an employee, or
       ``(2) establishing a prerequisite for the application of 
     any provision of law described in paragraph (1).
       ``(i) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
       ``(1) Service provider.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `service provider' means any 
     qualified person who performs service for another person.
       ``(B) Qualified person.--The term `qualified person' 
     means--
       ``(i) any natural person, or
       ``(ii) any entity if any of the services referred to in 
     subparagraph (A) are performed by 1 or more natural persons 
     who directly own interests in such entity.
       ``(2) Service recipient.--The term `service recipient' 
     means the person for whom the service provider performs such 
     service.
       ``(3) Payor.--The term `payor' means--
       ``(A) any person, including the service recipient, who pays 
     the service provider for performing such service, or
       ``(B) any marketplace platform, as defined in section 
     6050W(d)(3)(C).
       ``(j) Regulations.--Notwithstanding section 530(d) of the 
     Revenue Act of 1978, the Secretary shall issue such 
     regulations as the Secretary determines are necessary to 
     carry out the purposes of this section.''.
       (b) Voluntary Withholding Agreements and Worker 
     Classification.--Section 3402(p) of the Internal Revenue Code 
     of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(4) Worker classification.--Agreements under paragraph 
     (3) shall not be taken into account in determining whether 
     any party to such agreement is an employee or an employer for 
     purposes of this title.''.
       (c) Withholding by Payor in Case of Certain Persons 
     Classified as Not Employees.--Section 3402 of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new subsection:
       ``(u) Extension of Withholding to Payments to Certain 
     Persons Classified as Not Employees.--
       ``(1) In general.--For purposes of this chapter and so much 
     of subtitle F as relates to this chapter, compensation paid 
     pursuant to a contract described in section 7706(d) shall be 
     treated as if it were a payment of wages by an employer to an 
     employee.
       ``(2) Amount withheld.--Except as otherwise provided under 
     subsection (i), the amount to be deducted and withheld 
     pursuant to paragraph (1) with respect to compensation paid 
     pursuant to any such contract during any calendar year shall 
     be an amount equal to 5 percent of so much of the amount of 
     such compensation as does not exceed $20,000.''.
       (d) Direct Sellers of Promotional Products.--Subsection (b) 
     of section 3508 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2)(A)--
       (A) in clause (ii), by striking ``or'' at the end,
       (B) in clause (iii), by adding ``or'' at the end, and
       (C) by inserting after clause (iii) the following new 
     clause:
       ``(iv) is engaged in the trade or business of selling, or 
     soliciting the sale of, promotional products from other than 
     a permanent retail establishment,'',
       (2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4), and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(3) Promotional product.--For purposes of paragraph 
     (2)(A)(iv), the term `promotional product' means a tangible 
     item with permanently marked promotional words, symbols, or 
     art of the purchaser.''.
       (e) Reporting.--
       (1) Information at source.--Section 6041 of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a)--
       (i) in the heading, by striking ``$600'' and inserting 
     ``$1,000'', and
       (ii) by striking ``$600 or more in any taxable year'' and 
     inserting ``$1,000 or more in any taxable year'', and
       (B) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(h) Special Rules for Certain Persons Classified as Not 
     Employees.--
       ``(1) In general.--In the case of any service recipient or 
     payor required to make a return under subsection (a) with 
     respect to compensation to which section 7706(a) applies--
       ``(A) such return shall include--
       ``(i) the aggregate amount of such compensation paid to 
     each person whose name is required to be included on such 
     return,
       ``(ii) the aggregate amount deducted and withheld under 
     section 3402(s) with respect to such compensation, and
       ``(iii) an indication of whether a copy of the contract 
     described in section 7706(d) is on file with the service 
     recipient or payor, and
       ``(B) the statement required to be furnished under 
     subsection (d) shall include the information described in 
     subparagraph (A) with respect to the service provider to whom 
     such statement is furnished.
       ``(2) Definitions.--Terms used in this subsection which are 
     also used in section 7706 shall have the same meaning as when 
     used in such section.''.
       (2) Returns regarding payments of remuneration for services 
     and direct sales.--Section 6041A of such Code is amended--
       (A) in paragraph (2) of subsection (a), by striking 
     ``$600'' and inserting ``$1,000'', and
       (B) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(g) Special Rules for Certain Persons Classified as Not 
     Employees.--Rules similar to the rules of subsection (h) of 
     section 6041 shall apply for purposes of this section.''.
       (3) Returns relating to payments made in settlement of 
     payment card and third party network transactions.--Section 
     6050W of such Code is amended--
       (A) in subsection (d), by amending paragraph (3) to read as 
     follows:
       ``(3) Third party payment network.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `third party payment network' 
     means any agreement or arrangement--
       ``(i) which involves the establishment of accounts with a 
     central organization or marketplace platform by a substantial 
     number of persons who--

       ``(I) are unrelated to such organization or platform,
       ``(II) provide goods or services, and
       ``(III) have agreed to settle transactions for the 
     provision of such goods or services pursuant to such 
     agreement or arrangement,

       ``(ii) which provides for standards and mechanisms for 
     settling such transactions, and
       ``(iii) which guarantees persons providing goods or 
     services pursuant to such agreement or arrangement that such 
     persons will be paid for providing such goods or services.
       ``(B) Exception.--The term `third party payment network' 
     shall not include any agreement or arrangement which provides 
     for the issuance of payment cards.
       ``(C) Marketplace platform.--For purposes of subparagraph 
     (A), the term `marketplace platform' means any person who--
       ``(i) operates a digital website, mobile application, or 
     similar system that facilitates the provision of goods or 
     services by providers to recipients,
       ``(ii) enters into an agreement with each provider stating 
     that such provider will not be treated as an employee with 
     respect to such goods or services,
       ``(iii) provides standards and mechanisms for settling such 
     facilitated transactions, and
       ``(iv) guarantees each provider of goods or services 
     pursuant to such agreement that the provider will be paid for 
     such facilitated transaction.'',
       (B) by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:
       ``(e) Exception for De Minimis Payments by Third Party 
     Settlement Organizations.--
       ``(1) In general.--A third party settlement organization 
     shall be required to report any information under subsection 
     (a) with respect to third party network transactions of any 
     participating payee only if the amount which would otherwise 
     be reported under subsection (a)(2) with respect to such 
     transactions exceeds $1,000.
       ``(2) Exception.--
       ``(A) Marketplace platforms.--In the case of a third party 
     settlement organization which is a marketplace platform (as 
     defined in subsection (d)(3)(C)) through which substantially 
     all the participating payees are primarily engaged in the 
     sale of goods, such marketplace platform shall be required to 
     report any information under subsection (a) with respect to 
     third party network transactions of such payee only if--
       ``(i) the amount which would otherwise be reported under 
     subsection (a)(2) with respect to such transaction exceeds 
     $5,000, or
       ``(ii) the aggregate number of transactions exceeds 50.
       ``(B) Other third party settlement organizations.--In the 
     case of a third party settlement organization other than a 
     marketplace platform--
       ``(i) the rules of subparagraph (A) shall apply in the case 
     of information required to be reported, or which would 
     otherwise be reported, under subsection (a) to any 
     participating payee who is primarily engaged in the sale of 
     goods, and
       ``(ii) the determination of whether a participating payee 
     is primarily engaged in the sale of goods may be made 
     separately for each participating payee.
       ``(3) Election to report.--Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) 
     and (2), a third party settlement organization may elect to 
     report any information under subsection (a) with respect to 
     third party network transactions of any participating payee 
     without regard to the amount reported under subsection (a)(2) 
     with respect to such transactions or the aggregate number of 
     such transactions.'', and
       (C) in subsection (f)--
       (i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the end,
       (ii) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``, and'', and
       (iii) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(3) the amount, if any, withheld pursuant to section 
     3402(s).''.
       (f) Proceedings for Determination of Employment Status.--
     Paragraph (1) of section 7436(b) of the Internal Revenue Code 
     of 1986 is amended to read as follows:
       ``(1) Petitioner.--A pleading may be filed under this 
     section only by--
       ``(A) the person for whom the services are performed, 
     including the service recipient or the payor, or
       ``(B) any service provider which the Secretary has 
     determined should have been treated as an employee.


[[Page S1738]]


     All terms used in this paragraph which are also used in 
     section 7706 have the meanings given such terms in section 
     7706(i).''.
       (g) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 
     79 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding 
     at the end the following new item:

``Sec. 7706. Determination of worker classification.''.

       (h) Effective Date.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraphs (2), (3), 
     and (4), the amendments made by this section shall apply to 
     services performed after December 31, 2019 (and to payments 
     made for such services after such date).
       (2) Grace period to begin withholding.--A contract shall 
     not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of section 
     7706(d)(1)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added 
     by this section), and a service recipient or payor shall not 
     be treated as failing to meet any such requirement, with 
     respect to compensation paid to a service provider before the 
     date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.
       (3) Reporting.--Except as provided in paragraph (4), the 
     amendments made by subsection (e) shall apply to returns the 
     due date for which is after the date which is 2 years after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (4) Exception for de minimis payments by third party 
     settlement organizations.--The amendment made by subsection 
     (e)(3)(B) shall apply to payments made after December 31, 
     2019.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. Coons, Mr. Booker, Ms. Harris, 
        Mr. Leahy, Mr. Schatz, and Ms. Warren):
  S. 719. A bill to reform the use of solitary confinement and other 
forms of restrictive housing in the Bureau of Prisons, and for other 
purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of 
the bill be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                 S. 719

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Solitary Confinement Reform 
     Act''.

     SEC. 2. SOLITARY CONFINEMENT REFORMS.

       (a) Amendment.--Chapter 303 of title 18, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 4051. Solitary confinement

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Administrative maximum facility.--The term 
     `administrative maximum facility' means a maximum-security 
     facility, including the Administrative Maximum facility in 
     Florence, Colorado, designed to house inmates who present an 
     ongoing significant and serious threat to other inmates, 
     staff, and the public.
       ``(2) Administrative segregation.--The term `administrative 
     segregation' means a nonpunitive form of solitary confinement 
     that removes an individual from the general population of a 
     correctional facility for--
       ``(A) investigative, protective, or preventative reasons 
     resulting in a substantial and immediate threat; or
       ``(B) transitional reasons, including a pending transfer, 
     pending classification, or other temporary administrative 
     matter.
       ``(3) Appropriate level of care.--The term `appropriate 
     level of care' means the appropriate treatment setting for 
     mental health care that an inmate with mental illness 
     requires, which may include outpatient care, emergency or 
     crisis services, day treatment, supported residential 
     housing, infirmary care, or inpatient psychiatric 
     hospitalization services.
       ``(4) Director.--The term `Director' means the Director of 
     the Bureau of Prisons.
       ``(5) Disciplinary hearing officer.--The term `disciplinary 
     hearing officer' means an employee of the Bureau of Prisons 
     who is responsible for conducting disciplinary hearings for 
     which solitary confinement may be a sanction, as described in 
     section 541.8 of title 28, Code of Federal Regulations, or 
     any successor thereto.
       ``(6) Disciplinary segregation.--The term `disciplinary 
     segregation' means a punitive form of solitary confinement 
     imposed only by a Disciplinary Hearing Officer as a sanction 
     for committing a significant and serious disciplinary 
     infraction.
       ``(7) Intellectual disability.--The term `intellectual 
     disability' means a significant mental impairment 
     characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual 
     functioning and in adaptive behavior.
       ``(8) Multidisciplinary staff committee.--The term 
     `multidisciplinary staff committee' means a committee--
       ``(A) made up of staff at the facility where an inmate 
     resides who are responsible for reviewing the initial 
     placement of the inmate in solitary confinement and any 
     extensions of time in solitary confinement; and
       ``(B) which shall include--
       ``(i) not less than 1 licensed mental health professional;
       ``(ii) not less than 1 medical professional; and
       ``(iii) not less than 1 member of the leadership of the 
     facility.
       ``(9) Ongoing significant and serious threat.--The term 
     `ongoing significant and serious threat' means an ongoing set 
     of circumstances that require the highest level of security 
     and staff supervision for an inmate who, by the behavior of 
     the inmate--
       ``(A) has been identified as assaultive, predacious, 
     riotous, or a serious escape risk; and
       ``(B) poses a great risk to other inmates, staff, and the 
     public.
       ``(10) Protection case.--The term `protection case' means 
     an inmate who, by the request of the inmate or through a 
     staff determination, requires protection, as described by 
     section 541.23(c)(3) of title 28, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, or any successor thereto.
       ``(11) Serious mental illness.--The term `serious mental 
     illness' means a substantial disorder of thought or mood that 
     significantly impairs judgment, behavior, capacity to 
     recognize reality, or ability to cope with the ordinary 
     demands of life.
       ``(12) Significant and serious disciplinary infraction.--
     The term `significant and serious disciplinary infraction' 
     means--
       ``(A) an act of violence that either--
       ``(i) resulted in or was likely to result in serious injury 
     or death to another; or
       ``(ii) occurred in connection with any act of nonconsensual 
     sex; or
       ``(B) an escape, attempted escape, or conspiracy to escape 
     from within a security perimeter or custody, or both; or
       ``(C) possession of weapons, possession of illegal 
     narcotics with intent to distribute, or other similar, severe 
     threats to the safety of the inmate, other inmates, staff, or 
     the public.
       ``(13) Solitary confinement.--The term `solitary 
     confinement' means confinement characterized by substantial 
     isolation in a cell, alone or with other inmates, including 
     administrative segregation, disciplinary segregation, and 
     confinement in any facility designated by the Bureau of 
     Prisons as a special housing unit, special management unit, 
     or administrative maximum facility.
       ``(14) Special administrative measures.--The term `special 
     administrative measures' means reasonably necessary measures 
     used to--
       ``(A) prevent disclosure of classified information upon 
     written certification to the Attorney General by the head of 
     an element of the intelligence community (as specified or 
     designated under section 3(4) of the National Security Act of 
     1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003(4))) that the unauthorized disclosure of 
     such information would pose a threat to the national security 
     and that there is a danger that the inmate will disclose such 
     information, as described by section 501.2 of title 28, Code 
     of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto; or
       ``(B) protect persons against the risk of death or serious 
     bodily injury, upon written notification to the Director by 
     the Attorney General or, at the Attorney General's direction, 
     by the head of a Federal law enforcement agency, or the head 
     of an element of the intelligence community (as specified or 
     designated under section 3(4) of the National Security Act of 
     1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003(4))), that there is a substantial risk 
     that the communications of an inmate or contacts by the 
     inmate with other persons could result in death or serious 
     bodily injury to persons, or substantial damage to property 
     that would entail the risk of death or serious bodily injury 
     to persons, as described by section 501.3 of title 28, Code 
     of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto.
       ``(15) Special housing unit.--The term `special housing 
     unit' means a housing unit in an institution of the Bureau of 
     Prisons in which inmates are securely separated from the 
     general inmate population for disciplinary or administrative 
     reasons, as described in section 541.21 of title 28, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto.
       ``(16) Special management unit.--The term `special 
     management unit' means a nonpunitive housing program with 
     multiple, step-down phases for inmates whose history, 
     behavior, or situation requires enhanced management 
     approaches in order to ensure the safety of other inmates, 
     the staff, and the public.
       ``(17) Substantial and immediate threat.--The term 
     `substantial and immediate threat' means any set of temporary 
     and unforeseen circumstances that require immediate action in 
     order to combat a threat to the safety of an inmate, other 
     inmates, staff, or the public.
       ``(b) Use of Solitary Confinement.--
       ``(1) In general.--The placement of a Federal inmate in 
     solitary confinement within the Bureau of Prisons or any 
     facility that contracts with the Bureau of Prisons to provide 
     housing for inmates in Federal custody shall be limited to 
     situations in which such confinement--
       ``(A) is limited to the briefest term and the least 
     restrictive conditions practicable, including not less than 4 
     hours of out-of-cell time every day, unless the inmate poses 
     a substantial and immediate threat;
       ``(B) is consistent with the rationale for placement and 
     with the progress achieved by the inmate;
       ``(C) allows the inmate to participate in meaningful 
     programming opportunities and privileges as consistent with 
     those available in the general population as practicable, 
     either individually or in a classroom setting;
       ``(D) allows the inmate to have as much meaningful 
     interaction with others, such as other inmates, visitors, 
     clergy, or licensed

[[Page S1739]]

     mental health professionals, as practicable; and
       ``(E) complies with the provisions of this section.
       ``(2) Transitional process for inmates in solitary 
     confinement.--
       ``(A) Inmates with upcoming release dates.--The Director 
     shall establish--
       ``(i) policies to ensure that an inmate with an anticipated 
     release date of 180 days or less is not housed in solitary 
     confinement, unless--

       ``(I) such confinement is limited to not more than 5 days 
     of administrative segregation relating to the upcoming 
     release of the inmate; or
       ``(II) the inmate poses a substantial and immediate threat; 
     and

       ``(ii) a transitional process for each inmate with an 
     anticipated release date of 180 days or less who is held in 
     solitary confinement under clause (i)(II), which shall 
     include--

       ``(I) substantial re-socialization programming in a group 
     setting;
       ``(II) regular mental health counseling to assist with the 
     transition; and
       ``(III) re-entry planning services offered to inmates in a 
     general population setting.

       ``(B) Inmates in long-term solitary confinement.--The 
     Director shall establish a transitional process for each 
     inmate who has been held in solitary confinement for more 
     than 30 days and who will transition into a general 
     population unit, which shall include--
       ``(i) substantial re-socialization programming in a group 
     setting; and
       ``(ii) regular mental health counseling to assist with the 
     transition.
       ``(3) Protective custody units.--The Director--
       ``(A) shall establish within the Federal prison system 
     additional general population protective custody units that 
     provide sheltered general population housing to protect 
     inmates from harm that they may otherwise be exposed to in a 
     typical general population housing unit;
       ``(B) shall establish policies to ensure that an inmate who 
     is considered a protection case shall, upon request of the 
     inmate, be placed in a general population protective custody 
     unit;
       ``(C) shall create an adequate number of general population 
     protective custody units to--
       ``(i) accommodate the requests of inmates who are 
     considered to be protection cases; and
       ``(ii) ensure that inmates who are considered to be 
     protection cases are placed in facilities as close to their 
     homes as practicable; and
       ``(D) may not place an inmate who is considered to be a 
     protection case in solitary confinement due to the status of 
     the inmate as a protection case unless--
       ``(i) the inmate requests to be placed in solitary 
     confinement, in which case, at the request of the inmate the 
     inmate shall be transferred to a general population 
     protective custody unit or, if appropriate, a different 
     general population unit; or
       ``(ii) such confinement is limited to--

       ``(I) not more than 5 days of administrative segregation; 
     and
       ``(II) is necessary to protect the inmate during 
     preparation for transfer to a general population protective 
     custody unit or a different general population unit.

       ``(4) Vulnerable populations.--The Bureau of Prisons or any 
     facility that contracts with the Bureau of Prisons shall not 
     place an inmate in solitary confinement if--
       ``(A) the inmate has a serious mental illness, has an 
     intellectual disability, has a physical disability that a 
     licensed medical professional finds is likely to be 
     exacerbated by placement in solitary confinement, is pregnant 
     or in the first 8 weeks of the postpartum recovery period 
     after giving birth, or has been determined by a licensed 
     mental health professional to likely be significantly 
     adversely affected by placement in solitary confinement, 
     unless--
       ``(i) the inmate poses a substantial and immediate threat;
       ``(ii) all other options to de-escalate the situation have 
     been exhausted, including less restrictive techniques such 
     as--

       ``(I) penalizing the inmate through loss of privileges;
       ``(II) speaking with the inmate in an attempt to de-
     escalate the situation; and
       ``(III) a licensed mental health professional providing an 
     appropriate level of care;

       ``(iii) such confinement is limited to the briefest term 
     and the least restrictive conditions practicable, including 
     access to medical and mental health treatment;
       ``(iv) such confinement is reviewed by a multidisciplinary 
     staff committee for appropriateness every 24 hours; and
       ``(v) as soon as practicable, but not later than 5 days 
     after such confinement begins, the inmate is diverted, upon 
     release from solitary confinement, to--

       ``(I) a general population unit;
       ``(II) a protective custody unit described in paragraph 
     (3); or
       ``(III) a mental health treatment program as described in 
     subsection (c)(2);

       ``(B) the inmate is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (as 
     defined in section 115.5 of title 28, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, or any successor thereto), intersex (as defined 
     in section 115.5 of title 28, Code of Federal Regulations, or 
     any successor thereto), or gender nonconforming (as defined 
     in section 115.5 of title 28, Code of Federal Regulations, or 
     any successor thereto), when such placement is solely on the 
     basis of such identification or status; or
       ``(C) the inmate is HIV positive, if the placement is 
     solely on the basis of the HIV positive status of the inmate.
       ``(5) Special housing units.--The Director shall--
       ``(A) limit administrative segregation--
       ``(i) to situations in which such segregation is necessary 
     to--

       ``(I) control a substantial and immediate threat that 
     cannot be addressed through alternative housing; or
       ``(II) temporarily house an inmate pending transfer, 
     pending classification, or pending resolution of another 
     temporary administrative matter; and

       ``(ii) to a duration of not more than 15 consecutive days, 
     and not more than 20 days in a 60-day period, unless--

       ``(I) the inmate requests to remain in administrative 
     segregation under paragraph (3)(D)(i); or
       ``(II) in order to address the continued existence of a 
     substantial and immediate threat, a multidisciplinary staff 
     committee approves a temporary extension, which--

       ``(aa) may not be longer than 15 days; and
       ``(bb) shall be reviewed by the multidisciplinary staff 
     committee every 3 days during the period of the extension, in 
     order to confirm the continued existence of the substantial 
     and immediate threat;
       ``(B) limit disciplinary segregation--
       ``(i) to situations in which such segregation is necessary 
     to punish an inmate who has been found to have committed a 
     significant and serious disciplinary infraction by a 
     Disciplinary Hearing Officer and alternative sanctions would 
     not adequately regulate the behavior of the inmate; and
       ``(ii) to a duration of not more than 30 consecutive days, 
     and not more than 40 days in a 60-day period, unless a 
     multidisciplinary staff committee, in consultation with the 
     Disciplinary Hearing Officer who presided over the inmate's 
     disciplinary hearing, determines that the significant and 
     serious disciplinary infraction of which the inmate was found 
     guilty is of such an egregious and violent nature that a 
     longer sanction is appropriate and approves a longer 
     sanction, which--

       ``(I) may be not more than 60 days in a special housing 
     unit if the inmate has never before been found guilty of a 
     similar significant and serious disciplinary infraction; or
       ``(II) may be not more than 90 days in a special housing 
     unit if the inmate has previously been found guilty of a 
     similar significant and serious disciplinary infraction;

       ``(C) ensure that any time spent in administrative 
     segregation during an investigation into an alleged offense 
     is credited as time served for a disciplinary segregation 
     sentence;
       ``(D) ensure that concurrent sentences are imposed for 
     disciplinary violations arising from the same episode; and
       ``(E) ensure that an inmate may be released from 
     disciplinary segregation for good behavior before completing 
     the term of the inmate, unless the inmate poses a substantial 
     and immediate threat to the safety of other inmates, staff, 
     or the public.
       ``(6) Special management units.--The Director shall--
       ``(A) limit segregation in a special management unit to 
     situations in which such segregation is necessary to 
     temporarily house an inmate whose history, behavior, or 
     circumstances require enhanced management approaches that 
     cannot be addressed through alternative housing;
       ``(B) evaluate whether further reductions to the minimum 
     and maximum number of months an inmate may spend in a special 
     management unit are appropriate on an annual basis;
       ``(C) ensure that each inmate understands the status of the 
     inmate in the special management unit program and how the 
     inmate may progress through the program; and
       ``(D) further reduce the minimum and maximum number of 
     months an inmate may spend in a special management unit if 
     the Director determines such reductions are appropriate after 
     evaluations are performed under subparagraph (B).
       ``(7) Administrative maximum facilities.--The Director 
     shall--
       ``(A) limit segregation in an administrative maximum 
     facility to situations in which such segregation is necessary 
     to--
       ``(i) implement special administrative measures, as 
     directed by the Attorney General; or
       ``(ii) house an inmate who poses an ongoing significant and 
     serious threat to the safety of other inmates, staff, or the 
     public that cannot be addressed through alternative housing; 
     and
       ``(B) issue final approval of referral of any inmate who 
     poses an ongoing significant and serious threat for placement 
     in an Administrative Maximum facility, including the United 
     States Penitentiary Administrative Maximum in Florence, 
     Colorado.
       ``(8) Right to review placement in solitary confinement.--
     The Director shall ensure that each inmate placed in solitary 
     confinement has access to--
       ``(A) written notice thoroughly detailing the basis for 
     placement or continued placement in solitary confinement not 
     later than 6 hours after the beginning of such placement, 
     including--
       ``(i) thorough documentation explaining why such 
     confinement is permissible and necessary under paragraph (1); 
     and
       ``(ii) if an exception under paragraph (2)(A), (3)(D), 
     (4)(A), (4)(B), (5)(A), or (5)(B) is used to justify 
     placement in solitary confinement or

[[Page S1740]]

     under paragraph (1) to justify increased restrictive 
     conditions in solitary confinement, thorough documentation 
     explaining why such an exception applied;
       ``(B) a timely, thorough, and continuous review process 
     that--
       ``(i) occurs within not less than 3 days of placement in 
     solitary confinement, and thereafter at least--

       ``(I) on a weekly basis for inmates in special housing 
     units;
       ``(II) on a monthly basis for inmates in special management 
     units; and
       ``(III) on a monthly basis for inmates at an administrative 
     maximum facility;

       ``(ii) includes private, face-to-face interviews with a 
     multidisciplinary staff committee; and
       ``(iii) examines whether--

       ``(I) placement in solitary confinement was and remains 
     necessary;
       ``(II) the conditions of confinement comply with this 
     section; and
       ``(III) whether any exception under paragraph (2)(A), 
     (3)(D), (4)(A), (4)(B), (5)(A), or (5)(B) used to justify 
     placement in solitary confinement or under paragraph (1) used 
     to justify increased restrictive conditions in solitary 
     confinement was and remains warranted;

       ``(C) a process to appeal the initial placement or 
     continued placement of the inmate in solitary confinement;
       ``(D) prompt and timely written notice of the appeal 
     procedures; and
       ``(E) copies of all documents, files, and records relating 
     to the inmate's placement in solitary confinement, unless 
     such documents contain contraband, classified information, or 
     sensitive security-related information.
       ``(c) Mental Health Care for Inmates in Solitary 
     Confinement.--
       ``(1) Mental health screening.--Not later than 6 hours 
     after an inmate in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons or 
     any facility that contracts with the Bureau of Prisons to 
     provide housing for inmates in Federal custody is placed in 
     solitary confinement, the inmate shall receive a 
     comprehensive, face-to-face mental health evaluation by a 
     licensed mental health professional in a confidential 
     setting.
       ``(2) Mental health treatment program.--An inmate diagnosed 
     with a serious mental illness after an evaluation required 
     under paragraph (1)--
       ``(A) shall not be placed in solitary confinement in 
     accordance with subsection (b)(4); and
       ``(B) may be diverted to a mental health treatment program 
     within the Bureau of Prisons that provides an appropriate 
     level of care to address the inmate's mental health needs.
       ``(3) Continuing evaluations.--After each 14-calendar-day 
     period an inmate is held in continuous placement in solitary 
     confinement--
       ``(A) a licensed mental health professional shall conduct a 
     comprehensive, face-to-face, out-of-cell mental health 
     evaluation of the inmate in a confidential setting; and
       ``(B) the Director shall adjust the placement of the inmate 
     in accordance with this subsection.
       ``(4) Requirement.--The Director shall operate mental 
     health treatment programs in order to ensure that inmates of 
     all security levels with serious mental illness have access 
     to an appropriate level of care.
       ``(d) Training for Bureau of Prisons Staff.--
       ``(1) Training.--All employees of the Bureau of Prisons or 
     any facility that contracts with the Bureau of Prisons to 
     provide housing for inmates in Federal custody who interact 
     with inmates on a regular basis shall be required to complete 
     training in--
       ``(A) the recognition of symptoms of mental illness;
       ``(B) the potential risks and side effects of psychiatric 
     medications;
       ``(C) de-escalation techniques for safely managing 
     individuals with mental illness;
       ``(D) consequences of untreated mental illness;
       ``(E) the long- and short-term psychological effects of 
     solitary confinement; and
       ``(F) de-escalation and communication techniques to divert 
     inmates from situations that may lead to the inmate being 
     placed in solitary confinement.
       ``(2) Notification to medical staff.--An employee of the 
     Bureau of Prisons shall immediately notify a member of the 
     medical or mental health staff if the employee--
       ``(A) observes an inmate with signs of mental illness, 
     unless such employee has knowledge that the inmate's signs of 
     mental illness have previously been reported; or
       ``(B) observes an inmate with signs of mental health 
     crisis.
       ``(e) Civil Rights Ombudsman.--
       ``(1) In general.--Within the Bureau of Prisons, there 
     shall be a position of the Civil Rights Ombudsman (referred 
     to in this subsection as the `Ombudsman') and an Office of 
     the Civil Rights Ombudsman.
       ``(2) Appointment.--The Ombudsman shall be appointed by the 
     Attorney General and shall report directly to the Director. 
     The Ombudsman shall have a background in corrections and 
     civil rights and shall have expertise on the effects of 
     prolonged solitary confinement.
       ``(3) Reporting.--The Director shall ensure that each 
     Bureau of Prisons facility or any facility that contracts 
     with the Bureau of Prisons provides multiple internal ways 
     for inmates and others to promptly report civil rights 
     violations and violations of this section to the Ombudsman, 
     including--
       ``(A) not less than 2 procedures for inmates and others to 
     report civil rights violations and violations of this section 
     to an entity or office that is not part of the facility, and 
     that is able to receive and immediately forward inmate 
     reports to the Ombudsman, allowing the inmate to remain 
     anonymous upon request; and
       ``(B) not less than 2 procedures for inmates and others to 
     report civil rights abuses and violations of this section to 
     the Ombudsman in a confidential manner, allowing the inmate 
     to remain anonymous upon request.
       ``(4) Notice.--The Director shall ensure that each Bureau 
     of Prisons facility or any facility that contracts with the 
     Bureau of Prisons provides inmates with--
       ``(A) notice of how to report civil rights violations and 
     violations of this section in accordance with paragraph (3), 
     including--
       ``(i) notice prominently posted in the living and common 
     areas of each such facility;
       ``(ii) individual notice to inmates at initial intake into 
     the Bureau of Prisons, when transferred to a new facility, 
     and when placed in solitary confinement;
       ``(iii) notice to inmates with disabilities in accessible 
     formats; and
       ``(iv) written or verbal notice in a language the inmate 
     understands; and
       ``(B) notice of permissible practices related to solitary 
     confinement in the Bureau of Prisons, including the 
     requirements of this section.
       ``(5) Functions.--The Ombudsman shall--
       ``(A) review all complaints the Ombudsman receives;
       ``(B) investigate all complaints that allege a civil rights 
     violation or violation of this section;
       ``(C) refer all possible violations of law to the 
     Department of Justice;
       ``(D) refer to the Director allegations of misconduct 
     involving Bureau of Prisons staff;
       ``(E) identify areas in which the Bureau of Prisons can 
     improve the Bureau's policies and practices to ensure that 
     the civil rights of inmates are protected;
       ``(F) identify areas in which the Bureau of Prisons can 
     improve the solitary confinement policies and practices of 
     the Bureau and reduce the use of solitary confinement; and
       ``(G) propose changes to the policies and practices of the 
     Bureau of Prisons to mitigate problems and address issues the 
     Ombudsman identifies.
       ``(6) Access.--The Ombudsman shall have unrestricted access 
     to Bureau of Prisons facilities and any facility that 
     contracts with the Bureau of Prisons and shall be able to 
     speak privately with inmates and staff.
       ``(7) Annual reports.--
       ``(A) Objectives.--Not later than December 31 of each year, 
     the Ombudsman shall submit to the Committee on the Judiciary 
     of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House 
     of Representatives a report on the activities of the Office 
     of the Ombudsman for the fiscal year ending in such calendar 
     year.
       ``(B) Contents.--Each report submitted under subparagraph 
     (A)--
       ``(i) contain full and substantive analysis, in addition to 
     statistical information;
       ``(ii) identify the recommendations the Office of the 
     Ombudsman has made on addressing reported civil rights 
     violations and violations of this section and reducing the 
     use and improving the practices of solitary confinement in 
     the Bureau of Prisons;
       ``(iii) contain a summary of problems relating to reported 
     civil rights violations and violations of this section, 
     including a detailed description of the nature of such 
     problems and a breakdown of where the problems occur among 
     Bureau of Prisons facilities and facilities that contract 
     with the Bureau of Prisons;
       ``(iv) contain an inventory of the items described in 
     clauses (ii) and (iii) for which action has been taken and 
     the result of such action;
       ``(v) contain an inventory of the items described in 
     clauses (ii) and (iii) for which action remains to be 
     completed and the period during which each item has remained 
     on such inventory;
       ``(vi) contain an inventory of the items described in 
     clauses (ii) and (iii) for which no action has been taken, 
     the period during which each item has remained on such 
     inventory, the reasons for the inaction, and shall identify 
     any official of the Bureau of Prisons who is responsible for 
     such inaction;
       ``(vii) contain recommendations for such legislative or 
     administrative action as may be appropriate to resolve 
     problems identified in clause (iii); and
       ``(viii) include such other information as the Ombudsman 
     determines necessary.
       ``(C) Submission of reports.--Each report required under 
     this paragraph shall be provided directly to the Committees 
     described in subparagraph (A) without any prior review, 
     comment, or amendment from the Director or any other officer 
     or employee of the Department of Justice or Bureau of 
     Prisons.
       ``(8) Regular meetings with the director of the bureau of 
     prisons.--The Ombudsman shall meet regularly with the 
     Director to identify problems with reported civil rights 
     violations and the solitary confinement policies and 
     practices of the Bureau of Prisons, including overuse of 
     solitary confinement, and to present recommendations for such 
     administrative action as may be appropriate to resolve 
     problems relating to reported civil

[[Page S1741]]

     rights violations and the solitary confinement policies and 
     practices of the Bureau of Prisons.
       ``(9) Responsibilities of bureau of prisons.--The Director 
     shall establish procedures requiring that, not later than 3 
     months after the date on which a recommendation is submitted 
     to the Director by the Ombudsman, the Director or other 
     appropriate employee of the Bureau of Prisons issue a formal 
     response to the recommendation.
       ``(10) Non-application of the prison litigation reform 
     act.--Inmate reports sent to the Ombudsman shall not be 
     considered an administrative remedy under section 7(a) of the 
     Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (42 U.S.C. 
     1997e(a)).''.
       (b) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The table of 
     sections for chapter 303 of title 18, United States Code, is 
     amended by inserting after the item relating to section 4049 
     the following:

``4051. Solitary confinement.''.

     SEC. 3. REASSESSMENT OF INMATE MENTAL HEALTH.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Director of the Bureau of Prisons shall--
       (1) assemble a team of licensed mental health 
     professionals, which may include licensed mental health 
     professionals who are not employed by the Bureau of Prisons, 
     to conduct a comprehensive mental health reevaluation for 
     each inmate held in solitary confinement for more than 30 
     days as of the date of enactment of this Act, including a 
     confidential, face-to-face, out-of-cell interview by a 
     licensed mental health professional; and
       (2) adjust the placement of each inmate in accordance with 
     section 4051(c) of title 18, United States Code, as added by 
     section 2.

     SEC. 4. DIRECTOR OF BUREAU OF PRISONS.

       Section 4041 of title 18, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before the ``The 
     Bureau of Prisons shall be''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Ombudsman.--The Director of the Bureau of Prisons 
     shall--
       ``(1) meet regularly with the Ombudsman appointed under 
     section 4051(e) to identify how the Bureau of Prisons can 
     address reported civil rights violations and reduce the use 
     of solitary confinement and correct problems in the solitary 
     confinement policies and practices of the Bureau;
       ``(2) conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of each 
     referral from the Ombudsman under section 4051(e)(5)(D), 
     after each such investigation take appropriate disciplinary 
     action against any Bureau of Prisons employee who is found to 
     have engaged in misconduct or to have violated Bureau of 
     Prisons policy, and notify the Ombudsman of the outcome of 
     each such investigation; and
       ``(3) establish procedures requiring a formal response by 
     the Bureau of Prisons to any recommendation of the Ombudsman 
     in the annual report submitted under section 4051(e)(6) not 
     later than 90 days after the date on which the report is 
     submitted to Congress.''.

     SEC. 5. DATA TRACKING OF USE OF SOLITARY CONFINEMENT.

       Section 4047 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Prison Solitary Confinement Assessments.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than March 31 of each year, 
     the Director of the Bureau of Prisons shall prepare and 
     transmit to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and 
     the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of 
     Representatives an annual assessment of the use of solitary 
     confinement by the Bureau of Prisons, as defined in section 
     4051(a).
       ``(2) Contents.--Each assessment submitted under paragraph 
     (1) shall include--
       ``(A) the policies and regulations of the Bureau of 
     Prisons, including any changes in policies and regulations, 
     for determining which inmates are placed in each form of 
     solitary confinement, or housing in which an inmate is 
     separated from the general population in use during the 
     reporting period, and a detailed description of each form of 
     solitary confinement in use, including all maximum and high 
     security facilities, all special housing units, all special 
     management units, all Administrative Maximum facilities, 
     including the United States Penitentiary Administrative 
     Maximum in Florence, Colorado, and all Communication 
     Management Units;
       ``(B) the number of inmates in the custody of the Bureau of 
     Prisons who are housed in each type of solitary confinement 
     for any period and the percentage of all inmates who have 
     spent at least some time in each form of solitary confinement 
     during the reporting period;
       ``(C) the demographics of all inmates housed in each type 
     of solitary confinement described in subparagraph (A), 
     including race, ethnicity, religion, age, and gender;
       ``(D) the policies and regulations of the Bureau of 
     Prisons, including any updates in policies and regulations, 
     for subsequent reviews or appeals of the placement of an 
     inmate into or out of solitary confinement;
       ``(E) the number of reviews of and challenges to each type 
     of solitary confinement placement described in subparagraph 
     (A) conducted during the reporting period and the number of 
     reviews or appeals that directly resulted in a change of 
     placement;
       ``(F) the general conditions and restrictions for each type 
     of solitary confinement described in subparagraph (A), 
     including the number of hours spent in `isolation,' or 
     restraint, for each, and the percentage of time these 
     conditions involve single-inmate housing;
       ``(G) the mean and median length of stay in each form of 
     solitary confinement described in subparagraph (A), based on 
     all individuals released from solitary confinement during the 
     reporting period, including maximum and high security 
     facilities, special housing units, special management units, 
     the Administrative Maximum facilities, including the United 
     States Penitentiary Administrative Maximum in Florence, 
     Colorado, Communication Management Units, and any maximum 
     length of stay during the reporting period;
       ``(H) the number of inmates who, after a stay of 5 or more 
     days in solitary confinement, were released directly from 
     solitary confinement to the public during the reporting 
     period;
       ``(I) the cost for each form of solitary confinement 
     described in subparagraph (A) in use during the reporting 
     period, including as compared with the average daily cost of 
     housing an inmate in the general population;
       ``(J) statistics for inmate assaults on correctional 
     officers and staff of the Bureau of Prisons, inmate-on-inmate 
     assaults, and staff-on-inmate use of force incidents in the 
     various forms of solitary confinement described in 
     subparagraph (A) and statistics for such assaults in the 
     general population;
       ``(K) the policies for mental health screening, mental 
     health treatment, and subsequent mental health reviews for 
     all inmates, including any update to the policies, and any 
     additional screening, treatment, and monitoring for inmates 
     in solitary confinement;
       ``(L) a statement of the types of mental health staff that 
     conducted mental health assessments for the Bureau of Prisons 
     during the reporting period, a description of the different 
     positions in the mental health staff of the Bureau of 
     Prisons, and the number of part- and full-time psychologists 
     and psychiatrists employed by the Bureau of Prisons during 
     the reporting period;
       ``(M) data on mental health and medical indicators for all 
     inmates in solitary confinement, including--
       ``(i) the number of inmates requiring medication for mental 
     health conditions;
       ``(ii) the number diagnosed with an intellectual 
     disability;
       ``(iii) the number diagnosed with serious mental illness;
       ``(iv) the number of suicides;
       ``(v) the number of attempted suicides and number of 
     inmates placed on suicide watch;
       ``(vi) the number of instances of self-harm committed by 
     inmates;
       ``(vii) the number of inmates with physical disabilities, 
     including blind, deaf, and mobility-impaired inmates; and
       ``(viii) the number of instances of forced feeding of 
     inmates; and
       ``(N) any other relevant data.''.

     SEC. 6. NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER ON SOLITARY CONFINEMENT 
                   REDUCTION AND REFORM.

       (a) Definition of Eligible Entity.--In this section, the 
     term ``eligible entity'' means an entity, or a partnership of 
     entities, that has demonstrated expertise in the fields of--
       (1) solitary confinement, including the reduction and 
     reform of its use; and
       (2) providing technical assistance to corrections agencies 
     on how to reduce and reform solitary confinement.
       (b) Requirements.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Bureau of Justice Assistance 
     shall enter into a cooperative agreement, on a competitive 
     basis, with an eligible entity for the purpose of 
     establishing a coordinating center for State, local, and 
     Federal corrections systems, which shall conduct activities 
     such as--
       (1) provide on-site technical assistance and consultation 
     to Federal, State, and local corrections agencies to safely 
     reduce the use of solitary confinement;
       (2) act as a clearinghouse for research, data, and 
     information on the safe reduction of solitary confinement in 
     prisons and other custodial settings, including facilitating 
     the exchange of information between Federal, State, and local 
     practitioners, national experts, and researchers;
       (3) create a minimum of 10 learning sites in Federal, 
     State, and local jurisdictions that have already reduced 
     their use of solitary confinement and work with other 
     Federal, State, and local agencies to participate in 
     training, consultation, and other forms of assistance and 
     partnership with these learning sites;
       (4) conduct evaluations of jurisdictions that have 
     decreased their use of solitary confinement to determine best 
     practices;
       (5) conduct research on the effectiveness of alternatives 
     to solitary confinement, such as step-down or transitional 
     programs, strategies to reintegrate inmates into general 
     population, the role of officers and staff culture in reform 
     efforts, and other research relevant to the safe reduction of 
     solitary confinement;
       (6) develop and disseminate a toolkit for systems to reduce 
     the excessive use of solitary confinement;
       (7) develop and disseminate an online self-assessment tool 
     for State and local jurisdictions to assess their own use of 
     solitary confinement and identify strategies to reduce its 
     use; and
       (8) conduct public webinars to highlight new and promising 
     practices.

[[Page S1742]]

       (c) Administration.--The program under this section shall 
     be administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
       (d) Report.--On an annual basis, the coordinating center 
     shall report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate 
     and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of 
     Representatives on its activities and any changes in solitary 
     confinement policy at the Federal, State, or local level that 
     have resulted from its activities.
       (e) Duration.--The Bureau of Justice Assistance shall enter 
     into a cooperative agreement under this section for 5 years.

     SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There is authorized to be appropriated--
       (1) to the Director of the Bureau of Prisons such sums as 
     may be necessary to carry out sections 2, 3, 4, and 5, and 
     the amendments made by such sections; and
       (2) to the Bureau of Justice Assistance such sums as may be 
     necessary to carry out section 6.

     SEC. 8. NOTICE AND COMMENT REQUIREMENT.

       The Director of the Bureau of Prisons shall prescribe 
     rules, in accordance with section 553 of title 5, United 
     States Code, to carry out this Act and the amendments made by 
     this Act.

     SEC. 9. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       Except as otherwise provided, this Act and the amendments 
     made by this Act shall take effect 18 months after the date 
     of enactment of this Act.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. KAINE (for himself and Mr. Warner):
  S. 725. A bill to change the address of the postal facility 
designated in honor of Captain Humayun Khan; considered and passed.

                                 S. 725

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. CAPTAIN HUMAYUN KHAN POST OFFICE.

       Section 1(a) of Public Law 115-347 (132 Stat. 5054) is 
     amended by striking ``180 McCormick Road'' and inserting 
     ``2150 Wise Street''.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself and Ms. Collins):
  S. 726. A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to 
ensure the safety of cosmetics; to the Committee on Health, Education, 
Labor, and Pensions.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I am introducing bipartisan 
legislation with Senator Collins today to improve safety standards on 
products that affect every single American household. Most people 
assume that the personal care products they use every day, whether it 
is shampoo or shaving cream, lotion or make-up, hair dye or deodorant, 
have up-to-date Federal oversight.
  In reality, however, the Food and Drug Administration's authority to 
do so is sorely outdated. In fact, even though research continues to 
better inform us on the safety of ingredients used in products that we 
absorb through our bodies, skin and even our nails, regulation of these 
ingredients have not kept up and little has changed over the past eight 
decades on how we conduct oversight of these products. It is time to 
modernize our safety oversight and correct this problem.
  Over the last several years, Senator Collins and I have worked with a 
wide group of stakeholders that represent both industry and consumer 
groups. Together, we have drafted the Personal Care Products Safety Act 
with the support of many companies, health experts, and consumer 
organizations to put commonsense measures in place.
  One of the most critical components of this legislation is a process 
for the FDA to review the safety of ingredients in personal care 
products. The FDA may limit the quantity of an ingredient, require 
specific screening protocol to ensure dangerous contaminants aren't 
present, or require warning labels when needed to alert consumers. If 
an ingredient is simply unsafe for use under any conditions, the FDA 
can require that it be banned from use in all personal care products.
  Just this week, the FDA announced finding asbestos in several 
different types of make-up marketed to children and teens at the 
popular store, Claire's. This is a serious concern that highlights the 
need for Congress to move quickly to give FDA the tools they need.
  Under our bill, the FDA could implement new screening protocols for 
contaminants like asbestos. Companies would be required to register, so 
it would be easier to know where products were coming from. FDA would 
have mandatory recall authority for personal care products like they do 
for food, and companies would finally be required to report adverse 
health events.
  The Personal Care Products Safety Act is the result of many diverse 
groups working together with the common goal of modernizing the Federal 
oversight system to ensure the safest products possible are on the 
market. These stakeholders include small and large companies, doctors, 
consumer advocates, patient advocates, scientists, and the Food and 
Drug Administration.
  This legislation recognizes the needs of businesses of all sizes to 
support their growth while not sacrificing high safety standards that 
will keep consumers safe and raise the bar for industry standards. Many 
companies are taking voluntary steps to do the right thing, but it is 
time for this to be a uniform requirement.
  Another shocking example of concern is the ongoing use of 
formaldehyde, also called methylene glycol when in liquid form. It is 
used in the popular hair straightening treatment called a Brazilian 
blowout. During this beauty treatment, formaldehyde is released into 
the air and can cause shortness of breath, headaches, and dizziness in 
the short-term. Exposure to formaldehyde long-term has even been linked 
to cancer.
  I am also greatly concerned about safety of salon professionals, who 
are exposed daily to a variety of chemicals. In addition to reviewing 
the safety of chemicals they may be exposed to, this legislation 
ensures that the salon products they use are properly labeled with 
ingredients and warnings.
  This bill will require the Food and Drug Administration to evaluate 
at least five ingredients per year for safety and use in personal care 
products. In addition to reviewing the latest scientific and medical 
studies, the agency will consider how prevalent the ingredient is, the 
likelihood to exposure, adverse event reports, and information from 
public comments.
  Public input will be critical to the review process. There will be 
opportunities for companies, scientists, consumer groups, medical 
professionals, and members of the public to weigh in on not only the 
safety of particular ingredients but also which ingredients should be a 
priority for review.
  After review, the Food and Drug Administration may deem an ingredient 
safe, unsafe, or safe under certain uses or under certain conditions. 
The agency will also have the authority to require warning labels as 
needed for certain ingredients and limit the amount of an ingredient 
that may be used in personal care products. For example, some 
ingredients may only be safe for use by adults or when used by 
professionals in a salon or spa setting.
  The Personal Care Products Safety Act will also require companies to 
provide the Food and Drug Administration with a list of their products' 
ingredients and attest to their safety.
  The bill recognizes the unique nature of the American handmade 
cosmetic industry and meets their needs to encourage growth and 
innovation. This legislation provides flexibility for small businesses, 
particularly those making low-risk products. And this bill would not 
increase taxpayer obligations because it is paid for by user fees from 
the cosmetic industry.
  I am pleased to have the support of a broad coalition, including 
Environmental Working Group, Endocrine Society, National Alliance for 
Hispanic Health, National Women's Health Network, American Autoimmune 
Related Diseases Association, March of Dimes, Handmade Cosmetic 
Alliance, and the following companies that together represent over 90 
brands of products: The Estee Lauder Companies, Procter and Gamble, 
Revlon, Unilever, L'Oreal, Johnson and Johnson, Beautycounter, Makes 3 
Organics, SkinOwl, Silk Therapeutics, and S.W. Basics.
  I want to thank Senator Collins for her support and hard work on this 
important legislation. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting 
this much needed legislation to modernize our outdated regulatory 
system for personal care products, and I hope the Senate will pass this 
long overdue legislation this year.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. SCHUMER (for himself, Mr. Carper, Mr. Reed, Mr. Van 
        Hollen, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Markey, Mr. Schatz, Ms. Smith, Mr. 
        Blumenthal, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Booker, Ms. Stabenow, Ms. 
        Klobuchar, Ms.

[[Page S1743]]

        Hassan, Mr. Merkley, and Mrs. Feinstein):
  S. 729. A bill to prohibit the use of funds to Federal agencies to 
establish a panel, task force, advisory committee, or other effort to 
challenge the scientific consensus on climate change, and for other 
purposes; read the first time.
  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of 
the bill be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                 S. 729

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS TO CHALLENGE 
                   SCIENTIFIC CONSENSUS ON CLIMATE CHANGE.

       No amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to a 
     Federal agency (as defined in section 1004 of the Solid Waste 
     Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6903) and including the Executive 
     Office of the President) may be used to establish or operate 
     a panel, task force, other advisory committee, or other 
     effort intended to challenge the scientific consensus on 
     climate change, as presented in the assessment required under 
     section 106 of the Global Change Research Act of 1990 (15 
     U.S.C. 2936).

                          ____________________