This bill proposes significant updates to current statutes regarding the oversight and operation of the Office of the Independent Corrections Ombudsman in Arizona. It introduces the Office of the Independent Corrections Ombudsman, which will monitor prison conditions, assess compliance with federal and state regulations, and provide technical assistance to inmates and local governments. The bill also establishes a comprehensive definition of "covered issues" related to inmate welfare, mandates regular inspections of facilities, and requires the publication of periodic reports on facility conditions. Additionally, it outlines the structure and responsibilities of the Correctional Ombudsman Committee, including qualifications for members and procedures for public hearings and inspections. Furthermore, the bill includes requirements for the Office to provide annual reports summarizing inspections, complaints, and recommendations, as well as a safety and compliance classification system for facilities. It mandates that the Department respond to inspection reports with corrective action plans and allows the Office to initiate investigations based on complaints related to inmate health, safety, and welfare. New procedures for handling complaints, including secure online forms and a hotline, are also established, along with protections against retaliation for complainants. Overall, these updates aim to enhance accountability, transparency, and the welfare of inmates within the correctional system.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-3035.02, 41-2353, 41-2354, 41-2352, 41-2358, 41-2356, 41-2355, 41-2357, 12-821.01, 41-2359