S.Amdt. 4399

The Sex Offender Security Classification Integrity Act of 2026 is an amendment proposed by Mr. Schumer to be added to bill S. 1383. Its purpose is to establish a statutory baseline security level for inmates convicted of sex offenses to ensure the security classification system is applied consistently and without favoritism.

The amendment aims to change and add the following to the bill:

• Security Placement: It requires the Bureau of Prisons to house sex offenders in facilities classified as low security at a minimum. It prohibits the initial placement of these inmates in minimum security facilities.

• Limited Exceptions: Placement in a minimum security facility is only allowed for specific medical or geriatric needs, or if the inmate is in a specialized unit functionally equivalent to low security. These exceptions require:

  • A written determination signed by the Director of the Bureau.
  • Notification sent to the Senate and House Committees on the Judiciary within 30 days.
  • Recordkeeping for at least 10 years.

• Transfer Restrictions: The Bureau is prohibited from transferring sex offenders from higher security levels down to minimum security, except under the specified medical or geriatric exceptions.

• Transparency and Oversight: The Director of the Bureau must provide an annual report to Congress and the public detailing the number of sex offenders in various security levels and the justifications for any granted exceptions.

• Retroactive Action: The Director must reverse any changes made to the housing or placement of sex offenders that occurred on or after January 20, 2025, to align them with this Act.