Federal Bureaucracy Puts a $130 Daily Price Tag on Prison
Published Date: 11/2/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting November 2, 2026, the government sets the average cost to keep a federal inmate locked up for FY 2025. It costs about $47,564 a year (or $130 a day) for inmates in prisons and $43,499 a year (or $119 a day) for those in halfway houses. This update affects federal inmates and helps cover the real expenses of incarceration.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Federal prison COIF amount
If you are a Federal inmate housed in a Bureau or non-Bureau prison for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, the published Cost of Incarceration Fee (COIF) is $47,564 per year, which is $130.31 per day. This determination is effective November 2, 2026.
Residential reentry center COIF amount
If you are a Federal inmate housed in a Residential Reentry Center (halfway house) for FY 2025, the published Cost of Incarceration Fee (COIF) is $43,499 per year, which is $119.18 per day. This determination is effective November 2, 2026.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2025-22777, Annual Determination of Average Cost of Incarceration Fee (COIF)
The Bureau of Prisons just announced the average cost to keep a federal inmate locked up for FY 2024. It costs about $47,162 per year (or $129.21 per day) for inmates in regular prisons, and $43,703 per year (or $119.73 per day) for those in halfway houses. This update affects federal inmates and anyone tracking incarceration expenses starting December 15, 2025.
2026-17752, First Step Act Time Credits-Revisions
The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) amends its First Step Act (FSA) Time Credits regulation to accord with the best reading of the FSA and to conform with recent case law trends. The first change clarifies when an inmate can begin to earn time credits, and the second change clarifies time credits eligibility for inmates serving a term of imprisonment imposed in a foreign country.
2026-21923, Implementation of HAVANA Act of 2021
The Department of Justice is officially rolling out the HAVANA Act, which helps current and former DOJ employees and their families get payments if they suffered brain injuries on the job. This final rule, effective November 27, 2026, makes small tweaks to the process but keeps the main promise alive—support for those affected. No public comments changed the plan, so it’s full steam ahead with this important help!
2026-21920, Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022-Criteria for National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) Background Checks of Firearm Handlers
Starting November 27, 2026, licensed gun sellers (FFLs) can voluntarily use the FBI’s background check system (NICS) to screen current or future employees who handle firearms. This new rule helps stop illegal gun sales and keeps communities safer without adding costs. It’s a smart step to make sure people working with guns are checked properly before they get the job.
2026-19693, Implementing the Safe Explosives Act
The Safe Explosives Act final rule affects businesses and people who handle explosives, making reporting and transport rules clearer and simpler. Starting October 26, 2026, license holders must report key personnel changes but no longer need to verify who accepts deliveries for them. These updates cut red tape without adding new costs, keeping everyone safer and smoother in the explosive world.
2026-19694, Annual Notices on Explosive Materials Storage Facilities to Local Fire Authority
If you store explosives, you now have to tell your local fire department every year and when you stop storing them. This new rule helps keep firefighters and the public safer by making sure they always know where explosives are stored. It starts on October 26, 2026, and you must keep your notices for five years—no extra fees, just more safety!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-22339, Prospective Grant of Exclusive Patent License: Catheter-Based Intramyocardial Ablation for Treating Ventricular Arrhythmia in a Human
The National Institutes of Health plans to give AntaraCore Systems, Inc. an exclusive license to use new catheter technology that treats dangerous heart rhythm problems called ventricular arrhythmia. This means AntaraCore will have special rights to develop and sell this life-saving treatment. If you want to comment or apply for a license, you must do so by December 2, 2026.
Next: 2026-22341, NCES Request for Information, Correction
The Department of Education fixed a mistake in their recent Request for Information from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). They forgot to include the right docket number for submitting comments online, so now they’ve corrected it to make sure everyone can send their input properly. This update helps NCES gather info smoothly and on time, with no extra costs involved.