Legislation was announced that aims to promote safety and transparency across Michigan correctional facilities. While the proposal was introduced by two members of the Republican Caucus, co-sponsors of the bills include members on both sides of the aisle.
Key Points:
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- House Bills 5920 and 5921 were introduced by Representatives Jennifer Wortz (R-Quincy) and Karl Bohnak (R-Deerton).
- It expands the authority of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman to investigate complaints from corrections employees, family members, and prisoners’ advocates. Current law only permits prisoners or legislators to file complaints.
- It would require the Department of Corrections to provide the ombudsman with access to critical records, including medical, mental health, mortality, and morbidity records, without requiring special release forms.
- The ombudsman would be required to publish annual and monthly public reports detailing the number of complaints received and how complaints were resolved.
- The bills were referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.
The Legislative Corrections Ombudsman is an independent office responsible for investigating complaints involving the Michigan Department of Corrections.
