Imagine a loved one in federal custody being rushed to the hospital due to a serious injury or undergoing life-threatening surgery, and you had no idea. Losing a loved one and not being notified until long after their passing is heartbreaking and unthinkable—but it’s happening right now.

Families deserve better. They should never be left in the dark during moments of crisis, wondering and waiting for answers that may never come.

This is why Operation NOKI – The Next of Kin Initiative was created. On 04/08/25, Senator Jon Ossoff re-introduced bill S.1322, seeking to ensure families are notified in cases of death, serious illness, or serious injury of individuals in federal custody.

It is a shame that such a bill in today's society is even necessary. No family should ever have to wonder whether their loved one has suffered a life-threatening injury or has passed away without being notified. This gap in our justice system is not just an oversight—it is a failure of basic human decency.

Bill S.1322 is about fixing this failure. It ensures that families are treated with respect, compassion, and dignity during their darkest moments. But more than that, it offers an opportunity to unite us as a nation. This is not a partisan issue—it is a human issue.

This bill will be a much-needed win for all families, communities and Americans. It bridges a divide and demonstrates that we can come together to create CHANGE.

Senator Ossoff continues to lead by example, introducing this legislation as a testament to his strong commitment to criminal justice reform and his belief in equal rights for everyone, including those in custody.

We urge you to stand with us by asking your Senator to co-sponsor S.1322. Together, we can ensure that no family is ever left in the dark during a moment of crisis and take a step toward building a more compassionate and accountable justice system.

Your Voice MATTERS!

Let’s make sure our loved ones are treated with dignity and respect. Reach out to your Senators and urge them to sponsor S.1322. Use the hashtags #BeTheirVoice and #NOKI to amplify this mission and bring attention to this critical issue.

Join us at FIRST-Network by visiting www.FIRST-Network.org or our Facebook group. Together, we can bring accountability and compassion to our justice system.

FIRST-Network Communications Team