The National Assembly of Ecuador has approved the Organic Reform Law for the strengthening of the prison system, receiving 84 votes in favor, 62 against, and 2 abstentions during the second debate held on March 17, 2026. This session took place at the Universidad Católica de Cuenca and was led by the Security Committee, chaired by Assembly member Inés Alarcón. The approved law seeks to reform the Organic Code of Citizen Security and Public Order, addressing ongoing issues within the country's penitentiary system.

The new legislation includes 31 articles along with transitional provisions aimed at enhancing various aspects of prison management. Key components of the law include the establishment of penitentiary intelligence, addressing the operational deficit of prison guides by allowing temporary incorporation of police and military personnel in active service, and enhancing the training and professionalization of prison guards with the implementation of specific entry requirements. Such measures reflect an urgent response to the growing concerns regarding prison conditions and security management in Ecuador.

The implications of this law are significant given the context of Ecuador’s ongoing struggles with overcrowding and violence within its prisons. The introduction of a more structured and trained workforce, as well as effective intelligence operations within the penitentiary system, aims to improve safety and security, both inside and outside prison walls. The success of these reforms will largely depend on their implementation and the support from various sectors of society, including security forces and the government, to ensure a sustainable transformation of the Ecuadorian prison system.