FL S1162

Establishes a public records exemption making correspondence and communications between incarcerated persons or the public and the Office of the Corrections Ombudsman, the Ombudsman, Corrections Oversight Committee members, and office staff confidential and exempt from disclosure

Protects communications to prevent retaliation against incarcerated persons by correctional officers who may be under investigation as a result of those communications

Aims to ensure incarcerated persons and the public feel free to report concerns about conditions and operations in correctional facilities without fear of exposure

Takes effect contingent upon passage of the companion bill creating the Office of the Corrections Ombudsman (SB ____, 2026 Regular Session)