Bill > HB482

This bill, titled "State Board of Local and Regional Jails," proposes to move the supervision of the State Board of Local and Regional Jails from the Department of Corrections to the Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman, which is part of the Office of the State Inspector General. This change, effective July 1, 2026, will place the Board under the oversight of the Ombudsman, who is responsible for monitoring conditions of confinement, assessing compliance with regulations, and providing technical assistance related to inmate health, safety, welfare, and rehabilitation. The bill also makes conforming amendments to various sections of the Code of Virginia, including definitions related to law-enforcement officers and internal investigations authority within the Department of Corrections, and clarifies that existing appointments to the Board will not be affected, but all new appointments made on or after July 1, 2026, will be in accordance with these new provisions.

Justice, Military Affairs and Security

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB482