The bill establishes the Office of the Corrections Ombudsman as a new entity within the legislative branch of Florida's government, aimed at providing independent oversight of the Department of Corrections. It outlines the responsibilities of the Ombudsman, which include receiving and investigating complaints from incarcerated individuals, monitoring conditions within correctional facilities, and making recommendations for improvements. The Ombudsman will be appointed for a five-year term and must meet specific qualifications, including having no recent ties to the Department of Corrections. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a Corrections Oversight Committee by January 1, 2027, which will consist of 15 members, including legislators and individuals with relevant expertise or experience.

The bill also ensures that the Ombudsman and committee members have unannounced access to correctional facilities and the ability to communicate confidentially with incarcerated persons. It establishes that written correspondence between incarcerated individuals and the Ombudsman is privileged, and the decision to file a complaint will not affect the existing inmate grievance procedures. Furthermore, the Office of the Corrections Ombudsman is required to submit an annual report summarizing its activities and findings to the legislative leadership. The bill appropriates $250,000 in recurring funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to support the implementation of this act, which is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.