MS SB2579

Establishes an Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman within 270 days of enactment, with two sections: an Inspections Section and a Complaints Investigation Section.

Ombudsman selected by a Corrections Oversight Committee for a six-year term and cannot be removed except by the Governor for good cause; cannot be current or former DOC employees or have immediate family employed by DOC.

Ombudsman has authority to inspect all DOC facilities (at minimum every three years for regular facilities, annually for maximum security), investigate complaints, access all relevant records within specified timeframes, and meet privately with inmates without DOC monitoring.

Office must establish uniform reporting system to collect data on deaths, suicides, assaults, segregation/solitary confinement, lockdowns, staffing, visitation, and other operational metrics; must publish periodic facility inspection reports and annual report with recommendations.

Effective July 1, 2022; office cannot levy fees for complaints, communications with office are confidential and privileged, and DOC staff cannot retaliate against complainants.