Bill > HB5920

This bill expands the powers and duties of the Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman, which acts as an independent oversight body for the Department of Corrections. Key provisions include broadening the definition of who can file a complaint to include family members, corrections employees, and prisoner advocates, in addition to prisoners and legislators. The ombudsman will now be required to create and make available a standardized complaint form, and will be obligated to notify complainants when their complaint is received. Furthermore, the ombudsman's access to information and records from the Department of Corrections is strengthened, and the ombudsman is explicitly authorized to consult with and bring in "qualified experts" – professionals with substantial experience in fields like medicine or mental health – to assist with investigations, with specific procedures outlined for their entry into correctional facilities and the use of testing equipment, provided it doesn't compromise security. The bill also clarifies that the ombudsman and their staff have the right to enter correctional facilities at any time for inspections and during emergencies for observation purposes.