FL H1017

Creates a Citizens Collaborative Council within the Department of Corrections as an advisory council with 16 members: 4 appointed by the President of the Senate, 4 by the Minority Leader of the Senate, 4 by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and 4 by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

Initial council members must be appointed by October 1, 2023, with 4-year terms; one member from each appointing authority receives an initial 2-year term to stagger terms, and membership must be equally distributed across department regions and prioritize former prisoners, directly impacted persons, and criminal justice reform advocates.

Council members shall conduct unannounced visits to all adult correctional facilities including private contractor-operated facilities, conduct confidential interviews with facility personnel and prisoners, conduct unrecorded telephone interviews with prisoners in private areas, and make recommendations regarding prisoner classification and disciplinary matters.

Council members may not interfere with day-to-day facility operations but shall serve as a liaison between administration, staff, prisoners, and prisoners' families.

Members serve without compensation but may receive reimbursement for per diem and travel expenses; the act takes effect July 1, 2023.