Contact Congress about S. 736: Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act

People who illegally give phones to inmates could face up to 2 years in federal prison. The Bureau of Prisons would also have to review and update its rules on banned items.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act is a House bill awaiting final action. The latest recorded action: Message on Senate action sent to the House.

Latest action on S. 736: Message on Senate action sent to the House.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people who illegally bring or give phones to inmates in federal prisons or other facilities covered by federal law. It also affects incarcerated people who are involved with banned items. Prison staff may see changes in how the Bureau of Prisons finds, handles, and punishes contraband cases.

Why this matters: Illegal phones in prison can be used to plan crimes, threaten people, or break prison rules. This bill tries to make phone smuggling riskier by raising the maximum punishment. It could also change daily prison rules after the Bureau of Prisons reviews its contraband policies. The exact changes would depend on what the agency decides after that review.

Key provisions in S. 736

• Certain phone smuggling cases would carry a higher federal penalty. The maximum would be up to 2 years in prison, a fine, or both.
• The bill changes 18 U.S.C. § 1791(b). That is the federal law section that sets punishments for giving or having banned items in prison.
• The phone rule points to phones already listed as banned prison items. That list appears in 18 U.S.C. § 1791(d)(1)(F).
• The bill cleans up how the penalty rules fit together. It clarifies which punishments apply to different parts of the current contraband law.
• The Bureau of Prisons Director must review contraband rules within 1 year after the bill becomes law.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 736

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 736

What is S. 736?

People who illegally give phones to inmates could face up to 2 years in federal prison. The Bureau of Prisons would also have to review and update its rules on banned items.

How do I support or oppose S. 736?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 736?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain S. 736 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.