Tzedek Association announced three significant advocacy updates this week, spanning federal prison conditions and reproductive healthcare policy.

The Bureau of Prisons officially began launching its new inmate tablet initiative today, a development Tzedek called a “tremendous step forward.” The organization expressed gratitude to BOP Director William Marshall and Deputy Director Josh Smith for their leadership on the initiative, noting that Tzedek representatives met with Director Marshall on Monday in Washington, D.C., where they said they saw firsthand his “genuine desire to continue moving the Bureau in a positive direction.”

“The rollout of inmate tablets marks a meaningful step toward strengthening family connections, expanding access to educational opportunities, and improving rehabilitation throughout the federal prison system,” Rabbi Moshe Margaretten, President and Founder of Tzedek Association told Belaaz. “We are grateful to Bureau of Prisons leadership for making this initiative a reality and are honored that Tzedek had the opportunity to advocate for this important improvement. Every positive step that helps prepare individuals for a successful return to their families and communities benefits not only those incarcerated, but society as a whole.”

The tablets are expected to substantially improve conditions for incarcerated individuals and their families. Most notably, the devices will allow inmates to participate in video calls with loved ones, giving parents what Tzedek described as a “priceless opportunity” to see and interact with their children face-to-face. Unlike phone calls, which are constrained by limited minutes, the video calling feature will be available with unlimited minutes during designated periods of the day. The tablets will also provide access to First Step Act programming, educational materials, and digital books, allowing incarcerated individuals to use their time for learning and preparation for reentry into society. Tzedek said it was proud to have played a role in encouraging the initiative and commended the BOP for bringing it to fruition.

With this summer’s extreme heat, Tzedek also reported continued progress on its campaign to expand air conditioning access inside federal prisons. Following its earlier donation of air conditioning units to the Otisville Federal Correctional Institution, the organization said it is now working with the BOP to expand air conditioning to additional housing areas at Otisville and to other facilities nationwide. Tzedek is also working to donate ice machines and ice boxes to provide relief during periods of extreme heat. These efforts were among the topics discussed in Monday’s meeting with Director Marshall, alongside First Step Act implementation issues and furlough expansion. Tzedek said it remains committed to improving “the health, safety, and dignity of those in federal custody.”

Separately, Tzedek announced it submitted comprehensive comments this morning to the Departments of Labor, Treasury, and Health and Human Services regarding the Administration’s proposed “Excepted Fertility Benefits” rule, which the organization said has the potential to expand access to affordable fertility treatment for millions of Americans. Tzedek’s submission strongly supports the proposal while offering recommendations to ensure necessary fertility treatments remain a central component of the final rule, to encourage broader participation by insurance companies, and to maximize meaningful access for couples struggling with infertility. The organization credited its Advisory Board, particularly Dr. Kaylen Silverberg and Dr. Joshua Klein, along with Alan Hahn, Esq., for their expertise in preparing the submission.