summary
Introduced
01/06/2026
01/06/2026
In Committee
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to the Office of the Corrections Ombudsman; creating s. 11.92, F.S.; providing legislative findings; providing definitions; creating the Office of the Corrections Ombudsman within the legislative branch; providing for staff; specifying the duties of the office; providing for the appointment of a Corrections Ombudsman; requiring that the Ombudsman meet certain criteria; requiring the Legislature to establish a Corrections Oversight Committee on or before a certain date; providing duties and membership of the committee; requiring the Department of Corrections to provide the Ombudsman and committee members with access to certain department facilities and records; authorizing the Ombudsman and committee members access to such facilities unannounced; requiring confidentiality of in-person communications between incarcerated persons or facility staff members and the Ombudsman or a committee member; providing that correspondence between an incarcerated person and the office is privileged; providing that the decision, or failure, to file a complaint with the office does not impact the inmate grievance procedure; providing that the office need not investigate or process complaints in the order received; requiring the office to submit to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives a specified report annually; providing an appropriation; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Office of the Corrections Ombudsman within Florida's legislative branch to provide independent oversight of the Department of Corrections (DOC), addressing concerns about the health, safety, welfare, and rights of incarcerated individuals. The office, headed by a Corrections Ombudsman appointed by the Legislature for a 5-year term and requiring specific expertise in corrections and human rights with no recent DOC employment, will receive, investigate, and attempt to resolve complaints from incarcerated persons, their supporters, and the public, while also monitoring conditions, analyzing data on serious incidents, and making recommendations for improvement. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a 15-member Corrections Oversight Committee by January 1, 2027, composed of legislative members and appointed individuals with diverse backgrounds including medical, mental health, clergy, formerly incarcerated persons, and advocacy groups, to advise the Ombudsman. Both the Ombudsman and committee members will have unannounced access to DOC facilities and records, and communications between incarcerated individuals and the office will be considered privileged, with the understanding that filing a complaint with the Ombudsman does not affect the existing inmate grievance procedure. The office will submit an annual report to legislative leadership, and $250,000 in recurring funds is appropriated for its implementation, with the act taking effect on July 1, 2026.
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1160 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1160/BillText/Filed/HTML |
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