SB 1681 Summary

• Establishes the Office of the Independent Corrections Oversight Committee to inspect state prison facilities, investigate inmate complaints, and monitor conditions of confinement at least every two years (annually for maximum security facilities).

• Creates a Correctional Oversight Committee consisting of 13 members including legislators, previously incarcerated persons, physicians, mental health professionals, and inmate advocacy representatives; the committee appoints a six-year term corrections oversight advisor who directs the Office.

• Authorizes the Office to receive complaints from inmates and family members via secure online forms, telephone hotlines, and paper forms; requires response within 5-7 business days and investigates issues including abuse, neglect, sanitation, nutrition, medical care, visitation access, and staffing adequacy.

• Grants the Office full access to prison facilities, inmates, staff, and department records; prohibits the Department from retaliating against complainants; requires the Office to issue public inspection reports and annual reports with recommendations.

• Appropriates $2,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2023-2024 through 2032-2033 to fund the Office and Committee; the Office terminates on July 1, 2033.