SB 831 Summary

• Creates a women's prison oversight advisory committee within the office of the legislative corrections ombudsman, consisting of 11 members appointed by the ombudsman with specific expertise (physicians specializing in obstetrics/gynecology, nutritionists, midwives, doulas, formerly incarcerated individuals, and other relevant professionals).

• Establishes staggered 4-year terms for advisory committee members, with initial appointments required within 90 days of the bill's effective date and quarterly meetings mandatory.

• Charges the advisory committee with monitoring mental and physical health, nutritional needs, and conditions of confinement affecting female prisoners, and advising the ombudsman on best practices including access to nutritious food and sanitary products.

• Grants advisory committee members entrance to inspect correctional facilities housing female prisoners without notice and subjects them to confidentiality and secrecy requirements.

• Provides that advisory committee members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses, with the legislature required to appropriate sufficient funds to implement the section.