In 2020, the ACLU of Southern California filed a class-action lawsuit against the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) on behalf of inmates at the Federal Correctional Complex Lompoc (FCC Lompoc) in California. The lawsuit alleged that the BOP failed to adequately protect inmates from COVID-19, leading to a major outbreak that resulted in the deaths of five inmates and the infection of over 1,200 others.
Settlement Reached in July 2022:
In July 2022, the ACLU reached a settlement with the BOP in the Lompoc lawsuit. The settlement requires the BOP to implement a number of reforms aimed at preventing future outbreaks, including:
Increased testing and screening: The BOP must test inmates and staff for COVID-19 regularly and implement enhanced screening protocols to identify potential cases early.
Improved isolation and quarantine: The BOP must provide adequate isolation and quarantine facilities for inmates who test positive for COVID-19 or are exposed to the virus.
Enhanced access to medical care: The BOP must ensure that inmates who contract COVID-19 have access to timely and appropriate medical care.
Continued compliance with home confinement orders: The BOP must continue to comply with court orders requiring them to release eligible inmates to home confinement.
Current Status and Upcoming Hearing:
The settlement agreement is currently in effect and will remain in place until December 17, 2022, or until certain other conditions are met. The court will hold a hearing on October 4, 2022, to determine the fairness of the settlement.
What Does This Mean for Inmates at FCC Lompoc?
The settlement agreement represents a significant victory for the ACLU and the inmates at FCC Lompoc. The reforms implemented as a result of the settlement should help to prevent future outbreaks and protect the health and safety of inmates. However, it is important to continue to monitor the situation at FCC Lompoc and ensure that the BOP is complying with the terms of the settlement agreement.
Sources:
ACLU of Southern California: https://www.independent.com/2022/07/20/aclu-settles-lompoc-prison-lawsuit-over-botched-covid-response/
Santa Barbara Independent: https://www.independent.com/2022/07/20/aclu-settles-lompoc-prison-lawsuit-over-botched-covid-response/
Santa Maria Times: https://lompocrecord.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/settlement-reached-in-lompoc-prison-covid-19-class-action-lawsuit/article_ede29b0c-6f4e-5fbd-825a-9182712801be.html
FAQs:
1. How many inmates are eligible for home confinement under the settlement agreement?
The exact number of inmates eligible for home confinement is not yet known. However, the settlement agreement requires the BOP to review the cases of all class members and release those who are eligible.
2. What happens if the BOP fails to comply with the terms of the settlement agreement?
The ACLU may file a motion to enforce the settlement agreement if the BOP fails to comply with its terms.
3. What other lawsuits are pending against the BOP over its response to COVID-19?
The ACLU has filed similar lawsuits against the BOP on behalf of inmates at other federal facilities, including Terminal Island in California.
4. What can I do to help?
You can support the ACLU’s work on prison reform by donating or volunteering your time. You can also contact your elected officials and urge them to support legislation that would improve conditions in federal prisons.
5. Where can I find more information about the settlement agreement?
You can find more information about the settlement agreement on the ACLU of Southern California’s website.
6. When will the settlement agreement take effect?
The settlement agreement took effect in July 2022 and will remain in place until December 17, 2022, or until certain other conditions are met.
