US SB2985

Requires the Bureau of Prisons to house federal inmates based on biological sex, defined as the classification of male or female based on sex chromosomes, hormones, gonads, and genitalia present at birth

Prohibits co-locating federal prisoners of different biological sexes in detention facilities, with a limited exception for temporary co-location that does not include overnight housing

Conditions state eligibility for federal criminal justice grants under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act on states certifying they follow the same biological sex-based housing requirements

States must submit certification to the Attorney General that they prohibit housing inmates of different biological sexes together and use biological sex for housing determinations to receive funds

Introduced by Senator Cotton on October 8, 2025 and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee