Bill > HB3316

This bill establishes a new Department of Corrections Ombudsperson Bureau as a separate bureau within the Department of Corrections, with a Director to be appointed by the Governor within 30 days of the bill's effective date. The Ombudsperson will have the authority to receive, investigate, and attempt to resolve complaints about the Department of Corrections, specifically focusing on potential violations of laws, rules, or written policies, or situations that endanger the health or safety of individuals. The Ombudsperson is granted broad investigative powers, including access to offender records and correctional facilities, and must create monthly reports summarizing substantiated complaints. If the Ombudsperson discovers evidence of a potential crime, they are required to inform the Department Director, who must then conduct an investigation and potentially report to law enforcement. The bill also creates a new criminal offense of "obstruction of the Ombudsperson," which is a Class A misdemeanor and includes actions such as interfering with investigations, offering compensation to influence investigations, retaliating against complainants, or making threats related to investigations. Additionally, the bill provides protections for the Ombudsperson, including immunity from civil liability and a requirement to maintain the confidentiality of complainants' identities except under specific circumstances.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3316&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104