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SB 1507 would create independent corrections ombudsman office; caucus asked about funding
Summary
A caucus briefing described SB 1507, which would establish an independent corrections ombudsman within the Office of the Ombudsman–Citizens' Aide with investigative and inspection powers; lawmakers asked whether the office needs funding after an appropriation was removed from the measure.
SB 1507 would establish an Office of the Independent Corrections Ombudsman within the Office of the Ombudsman–Citizens' Aide and assign the office oversight responsibilities relating to correctional facilities, including monitoring Department of Corrections compliance with rules and best practices on inmate health, safety, welfare and rehabilitation.
The presenter described a range of duties: creating a hotline and statewide reporting system for complaints, inspecting each correctional facility at least once every two years, access to facilities and records, and annual reporting to specified legislative members with budget and complaint data. The caucus handout (referenced by the presenter) listed additional data points and procedural details.
The presenter also said the Government Committee added provisions on the office's discretion to investigate, confidentiality rules, and civil-immunity protections for the director and staff except for gross negligence, intentional wrongful acts, omissions, or conflicts of interest.
Representative Liguori asked whether establishment of the office required funding after an appropriation was removed; the presenter said a floor amendment related to funding had not yet been adopted and he did not have background on the necessary funding. "There is because this bill is on cow today that is in a floor amendment that has not been adopted yet. I don't have any background information on what funding would be necessary to any of this," the presenter said.
The caucus record shows discussion about statutory powers and confidentiality and a question about funding; no vote or formal adoption of funding was recorded in the provided transcript excerpt.
