House Bill No. [insert bill number] establishes the Louisiana Correctional Medical Review Board as an independent entity within the office of the legislative auditor, separate from the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. The board will consist of nine members appointed by various organizations and officials, including physicians, nurses, attorneys, and representatives from nonprofit organizations. The board is tasked with conducting independent reviews of all in-custody deaths in Louisiana correctional facilities, requiring notification of such deaths within two hours by facility administrators. The bill outlines the powers of the board, including the ability to compel documentation, interview witnesses, conduct inspections, and order independent autopsies when necessary.

The bill mandates that the review board issue a written report within sixty days of initiating a review, detailing the circumstances of the death, compliance with legal requirements, and any findings of staff misconduct. It also provides rights to the immediate family of deceased inmates, including access to reports and the ability to submit evidence. Additionally, the bill prohibits retaliation against individuals cooperating with the board's investigations and ensures funding for the board's operations. The provisions related to staffing and rulemaking will take effect upon the governor's signature, while the remaining provisions will become effective on January 1, 2027.