Bill > HB1616

This bill establishes the "Independent Office of Corrections and Transparency" to provide oversight and accountability for the Missouri Department of Corrections. The new office will consist of two full-time employees - one focused on inspections and one on complaint investigations - and will have broad powers to monitor, inspect, and investigate conditions in correctional facilities. Key provisions include creating multiple channels for incarcerated people, correctional staff, and their families to file complaints, such as online forms, telephone hotlines, and in-person communication. The office will conduct annual facility inspections, produce public reports detailing facility conditions, staffing, programming, and safety, and assign safety classifications to each facility. A Corrections Transparency Committee will be formed to appoint a transparency advocate and provide additional oversight, with members including legislators, formerly incarcerated individuals, healthcare professionals, and advocates. The bill aims to improve transparency, protect the rights of incarcerated individuals and correctional staff, and ensure safer, more humane conditions in Missouri's correctional facilities. The office will have the authority to subpoena records, investigate complaints, and make recommendations to the governor, legislature, and Department of Corrections, with protections against retaliation for those who file complaints.

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https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1616&year=2026&code=R