FL H0889

Creates the Office of the Corrections Ombudsman as an independent unit within the legislative branch to investigate complaints, monitor conditions of confinement, and collect data on serious incidents, violence, and deaths in state and contractor-operated correctional facilities

Requires the Legislature to appoint a Corrections Ombudsman to a 5-year term who must have corrections and human rights experience and cannot have worked for the Department of Corrections (or have family who worked there) in the preceding 10 years

Establishes a 15-member Corrections Oversight Committee by January 1, 2027, including 4 legislators, formerly incarcerated individuals, healthcare professionals, educators, clergy, and prisoner advocates to advise the Ombudsman

Grants the Ombudsman and committee members immediate, unannounced access to all correctional facilities, staff, incarcerated persons, and records, with confidential communication protections and privileged mail status for correspondence with incarcerated persons

Appropriates $250,000 in recurring General Revenue funds for fiscal year 2026-2027 and requires annual reporting to legislative leadership beginning December 1, 2027