Bill > S1162

This bill proposes to make correspondence and communications with the Office of the Corrections Ombudsman and the Corrections Oversight Committee confidential and exempt from public disclosure, meaning these records would not be accessible to the public under the state's open records laws. The Office of the Corrections Ombudsman is an independent body that investigates complaints and concerns related to correctional facilities, and the Corrections Oversight Committee provides oversight of these facilities. The bill argues this exemption is a public necessity to protect incarcerated individuals from retaliation by correctional officers if they report issues, and to encourage open communication with the Ombudsman's office about conditions within correctional facilities. The bill also includes a contingent effective date, meaning it will only become law if similar legislation is passed in the same legislative session.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1162