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Committee backs creation of legislative ombudsman for Department of Correction after testimony from agency and advocates
Summary
Lawmakers voted 23‑0 to send a bill creating a legislative ombudsman office for the Department of Correction to Finance and Ways and Means after TDOC officials and outside advocates testified about authority, staffing and overlap with existing investigative units.
The committee voted unanimously, 23‑0, to advance House Bill 4 54 to Finance, Ways and Means. The legislation would create a legislative office to perform oversight and receive complaints related to the Department of Correction.
Sponsor Chairman Hurt said similar offices exist in 19 states and the District of Columbia and that the proposal is intended to improve oversight and make government more efficient. The bill’s backers told the committee the office would serve as a neutral legislative arm to review complaints and monitor correctional conditions.
Richard Muckle, deputy…
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