Civil Detention Safety & Emergency Oversight Act
Civil Detention Safety & Emergency Oversight Act
Pennsylvania has a responsibility to protect health, safety, and basic human rights inside any civil detention facility operating within our borders.
This proposal establishes clear, constitutional oversight of civil detention facilities operating in Pennsylvania — including facilities operated by third-party contractors — to ensure safety standards, medical access, and accountability are enforced.
What this proposal Does
Establishes Attorney General oversight of civil detention facilities for health and safety compliance
Requires mandatory corrective action when violations are found
Authorizes emergency intervention to protect life and preserve evidence
Holds contractors financially accountable through civil penalties
Allows harmed individuals to seek relief in Pennsylvania courts
About
What this proposal does not do
It does not regulate immigration status
It does not interfere with deportation or federal immigration decisions
It does not require local communities to participate in immigration enforcement
This proposal focuses on facility conditions, safety standards, and emergency response — areas where states have clear authority.
Why this is necessary
When people are confined inside facilities located in Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth has a duty to ensure:
- Safe medical care and emergency access
- Protection from neglect, abuse, and retaliation
- Transparency and accountability for contractors operating inside our state
No facility should escape oversight because of jurisdictional confusion or private contracts.
Key provisions
Attorney General inspections — Unannounced inspections, access to records, and authority to order corrective action.
Mandatory corrective action with a cure period — Facilities must fix violations within a defined timeframe or face escalation.
Emergency protections — If life-threatening conditions exist, the Commonwealth may act immediately to protect safety and preserve evidence.
Contractor accountability — Civil penalties for unsafe conditions, medical neglect, or retaliation. Funds are directed to safety and remediation.
National Guard support — narrowly defined — In declared emergencies only, the Guard may assist with medical access, facility security, evidence preservation, and evacuation logistics — never immigration enforcement.
Private right of action — Individuals harmed by violations may seek injunctive relief and damages in Pennsylvania courts.
Why this approach is constitutional
States have long-recognized authority over public health and safety, building and facility standards, emergency response, and contractor regulation.
This proposal uses those powers to protect human life — without regulating immigration.
My commitment
I will always put public safety, accountability, and human dignity first — and I will fight for clear standards that prevent abuse, neglect, and secrecy.