IN HB1070

Amends IC 4-13-1.2-5 effective July 1, 2014 to establish ombudsman authority to receive, investigate, and resolve complaints against the Department of Correction for violating laws, rules, policies, or endangering health and safety.

Ombudsman cannot investigate employment-related complaints from Department of Correction employees.

Ombudsman must report findings to complainants and provide written notification of decisions not to investigate, including reasons for the decision.

Ombudsman must create a monthly report summarizing findings of all substantiated complaints and may recommend policy or practice changes to the department commissioner based on investigation findings.

If ombudsman discovers evidence of criminal activity, the commissioner must be informed and must report the crime to law enforcement if it involves a non-offender or if the prison disciplinary process is deemed inappropriate for offender-only crimes.