1. Full Operationalization of Home Confinement and RRC Policy
As of June 17, 2025, the BOP issued a pivotal directive to fully implement the First Step Act and Second Chance Act in relation to home confinement. Among key reforms, the policy ensures that:
- FSA earned time credits and Second Chance Act eligibility are now stackable, facilitating the service of meaningful portions of sentences via home confinement when eligible.
- Conditional Placement Dates, based on projected credit accrual, will drive timely referrals, minimizing administrative delay.
- Eligibility for placements will pivot on stable housing and community reintegration readiness, not past employment.
- Limitations in RRC (halfway house) capacity will not block home confinement placements when individuals qualify
These changes mark a significant shift toward honoring congressional intent, enabling earlier community reintegration, and reducing unnecessary incarceration:
“This is the dawn of a new era … The comprehensive policy … will eliminate barriers to maximize the availability of home confinement to those who qualify.” – BOP Director William K. Marshall III
2. Enhanced Staff Training & Accountability
On August 1, 2025, BOP Director William K. Marshall III announced the launch of a 24/7, step‑by‑step training video for all BOP staff, guiding them through:
- Interpretation of eligibility and conditional home confinement dates.
- Proper usage of RRC capacity.
- Correct verification of FSA and Second Chance Act eligibility.
Marshall emphasized accountability, stating the training was developed in direct response to staff feedback:
“You told me what you needed to further implement the First Step Act, and we got to work.” bop.gov
3. Ongoing Automation of FSA Time Credit Computation
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has tracked the BOP’s efforts to create an automated system that integrates risk assessments, needs assessments, and time‑credit calculations into one consistent monthly process:
- In January 2025, BOP officials reported continued progress toward finalizing this auto‑calculation application, aiming to ensure complete and accurate data, including precise dates for each assessment.
- Earlier setbacks had pushed back the expected completion beyond the originally planned September 2024 timeline, though date‑recording errors have since been addressed.GAO
4. Needs Assessment System and Program Oversight
The BOP’s SPARC‑13 needs assessment framework defines 13 specific areas of need for which inmates are evaluated to identify suitable recidivism reduction programming. This system:
- Is regularly reviewed and validated, including through external oversight by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ).
- Understandably, the evaluation of evidence‑based programs still lacks pre‑set quantifiable goals and consistent milestones, per GAO findings. BOP has begun building these in its evaluation plan through FY2026, with a further update planned in 2026. GAO
5. Program Participation and Outreach Trends
- Between 2022 and 2023, participation in evidence‑based programs and prosocial activities within BOP facilities increased by 35%, signaling growing access to rehabilitation services.The Sentencing Project
- Interior sites provide inmates with access to ID documents (e.g. social security cards, birth certificates) and employment‑readiness services, as mandated by the FSA.prisonology.com
- BOP has enlisted thousands of volunteers through Recidivism Reduction Partnerships, and approved tens of thousands of FSA‑related releases, compassionate releases, and elderly home confinement motions.Department of Justice
Summary: Where Things Stand in 2025
| Area | Status |
|---|---|
| Home Confinement / RRC Access | Now fully operational—stackable credits, conditional-date placement, reduced barriers |
| Staff Training & Accountability | 24/7 training in effect; leadership enforcing compliance and follow-through |
| Automation of Credit Calculation | In progress; delayed but being built to integrate assessments and timestamps |
| Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation | SPARC-13 active; external validation ongoing; evaluation plan enhanced but still maturing |
| Program Participation | Participation up 35%; many releases and ID support ongoing |
The BOP’s recent actions reflect a renewed commitment to enforcing the First Step Act’s full potential, particularly in expanding home confinement and training line staff adequately. Implementation continues to progress in critical areas such as automation and program evaluation, though GAO oversight indicates that transparency, monitoring, and measurable goals remain areas for improvement.