While the Commonwealth maintains oversight of its own correctional institutions, there is currently no comprehensive statewide licensing framework governing certain detention facilities operated by private entities, federal contractors, or other non-Commonwealth actors. This gap leaves too much to chance.

When a facility holds human beings — whether for criminal, civil, immigration, or administrative purposes — the Commonwealth must be able to guarantee that minimum standards of health, safety, transparency, and lawful operation are met. Communities, staff, and detained individuals all deserve that assurance.

That’s why, in the near future, I intend to offer legislation to create the Detention Facility Licensing and Oversight Act to empower and require the Department of Corrections to establish a uniform system of licensure, inspection, and accountability ensuring that all qualifying detention facilities in Pennsylvania operate responsibly and in accordance with the values we expect of any institution entrusted with such profound authority.

This legislation does not expand detention authority or create new categories of detention. Instead, it ensures that any facility exercising detention authority within Pennsylvania — regardless of who operates it — is held to consistent, Commonwealth-defined standards of safety, accountability, and public transparency.

I welcome your support and invite you to join me as a co‑sponsor to this important and timely legislation.