HB 889: Office of the Corrections Ombudsman

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Office of the Corrections Ombudsman; Creates Office of Corrections Ombudsman within legislative branch; provides for staff; specifies duties of office; provides for appointment of Corrections Ombudsman; requires that Ombudsman meet certain criteria; requires Legislature to establish Corrections Oversight Committee on or before certain date; provides duties & membership of committee; requires DOC to provide Ombudsman & committee members with access to certain department facilities & records; authorizes Ombudsman & committee members access to such facilities unannounced; requires confidentiality of in-person communications between incarcerated persons or facility staff members & Ombudsman or committee member; provides that correspondence between incarcerated person & office is privileged; provides that decision, or failure, to file complaint with office does not impact inmate grievance procedure; provides that office need not investigate or process complaints in order received; requires office to submit to President of Senate & Speaker of House of Representatives specified report annually; provides appropriation. APPROPRIATION: $250,000

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 13, 2026Died in Criminal Justice Subcommittee
2. January 13, 20261st Reading (Original Filed Version)
3. January 5, 2026Now in Criminal Justice Subcommittee
4. January 5, 2026Referred to Judiciary Committee
5. January 5, 2026Referred to Budget Committee
6. January 5, 2026Referred to Criminal Justice Subcommittee
7. December 23, 2025Filed