Hi FAMMily,

In December 2024, BOP proposed a new rule to revise the Inmate Financial Responsibility Program. This proposal amended the BOP’s earlier one that was published in January 2023. We think this most recent proposed rule is a big improvement.

The BOP started looking into changes to the IFRP after news spread that a few high-profile individuals (like R. Kelly and Larry Nassar) were using their inmate trust fund accounts to shield their money so they did not have to pay restitution, child support, and other court-ordered financial obligations.

We believe that BOP is right to address the issue of inmate trust fund accounts, given how outdated the old system is. The BOP-proposed rule in January 2023 was deeply problematic. Among other things, BOP proposed to automatically apply 75% of money received from family members or other outside sources towards restitution, court costs, child support, or other obligations.

Together, FAMM and our members wrote to the BOP and highlighted the problems with their January 2023 proposal. The BOP clearly read our comments and heard our concerns.

We believe that this new proposal fairly balances the need to ensure that people in custody with restitution orders pay their share, while also not being overly punitive towards people who do not have a lot of money and are just trying to get by.

There is a comment period, open through February 18, during which individuals and organizations are invited to respond to BOP’s proposed rule. FAMM has drafted a template, which you can use to write to BOP and thank them for listening to our input and share any other feedback you have on this issue.