The bill amends the 1975 Public Act 46, which established the office of the legislative corrections ombudsman, by updating various definitions and procedures related to the office's operations. Key insertions include the definitions of "complainant," which now encompasses not only prisoners but also family members and prisoner advocates, and the introduction of terms such as "qualified expert" and "prisoner advocate." The bill also mandates the creation of a standardized complaint form to be made available electronically and in hard copy at correctional facilities. Additionally, it specifies that the ombudsman must notify complainants upon receipt of their complaints and outlines the procedures for investigations, including access to necessary records and the ability to consult with qualified experts.

Further amendments enhance the ombudsman's authority and responsibilities, including the requirement to submit annual and monthly reports detailing complaint statistics and significant issues investigated. The bill also protects individuals from retaliation for filing complaints or cooperating with the ombudsman, ensuring that no disciplinary action is taken against employees for communicating with the office. Overall, these changes aim to improve transparency, accountability, and the effectiveness of the legislative corrections ombudsman in addressing issues within the corrections system.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 4.351
As Passed by the Senate: 4.351