FL S0960

Creates a 16-member Citizens Oversight Council as an advisory body adjunct to the Department of Corrections, with members appointed equally by the Senate President, Senate Minority Leader, House Speaker, and House Minority Leader for 4-year terms

Grants council members authority to conduct unannounced visits to adult and juvenile correctional facilities, including private facilities, with immediate admission upon request and ability to consult privately with prisoners or juveniles

Authorizes confidential interviews with facility staff, prisoners, juveniles, families, and officials, including unrecorded telephone calls similar to attorney-client communications

Requires membership to include, to the greatest extent possible, former prisoners, persons directly impacted by the correctional system, and criminal justice reform advocates

Prohibits council members from discussing findings with media or non-members, and bars interference with day-to-day operations while serving as liaison between administration, staff, and incarcerated individuals' families