Creation of the Department of Corrections Ombudsperson Office (SB 1710)

Original title: Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsperson

March 13, 2026

corrections oversight government accountability criminal justice public records

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The Frame

What this does

The bill allocates $1.5 million in state funding to create a new oversight body with the power to investigate Department of Corrections operations and personnel.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Department of Corrections

The department is now subject to oversight, subpoena power, and periodic facility inspections by the new office.

Incarcerated individuals and their families

These individuals gain a new channel to submit information via an electronic form and are subject to the oversight activities of the new office.

Department of Corrections employees and contractors

Staff and contractors are now subject to potential subpoenas from the Ombudsperson's office.

What changed

Last recorded activity March 13, 2026.

What's next

Introduced.

Summary

This bill establishes an independent Office of the Department of Corrections and a Corrections Oversight Committee to monitor state prison facilities. The office is granted authority to records and staff, conduct facility inspections, and provide an online portal for family members to submit information.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Ombudsperson?

An is an official appointed to investigate and resolve complaints or concerns regarding the actions or policies of a government agency.

Can the new office access private prison records?

Yes, the bill authorizes the office to records, employees, and contractors associated with the Department of Corrections.

How can family members of incarcerated individuals participate?

The bill requires the office to create and maintain an electronic form on its public website for family use.

Why It Matters

The bill allocates $1.5 million in state funding to create a new oversight body with the power to investigate Department of Corrections operations and personnel.

News Coverage

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Discoveries

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

policy shift90% confidence

Increased Oversight Mechanism

The bill represents a shift toward internal-external oversight by placing the ombudsperson within the department while granting them independent subpoena power.

Department of Corrections