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NY A06322
Bill
Status
3/4/2025
Primary Sponsor
Latrice Walker
Click for details
AI Summary
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Creates an independent Office of the Correctional Ombudsperson within the executive department to oversee state and local correctional facilities, with a 12-member Correctional Oversight Board responsible for nominating the ombudsperson who serves a 6-year term
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Grants the ombudsperson broad investigative powers including subpoena authority, unfettered access to all correctional facilities and records, ability to conduct inspections at least every 3 years, and authority to order autopsies of deceased incarcerated individuals
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Establishes a toll-free hotline and complaint system for reporting alleged wrongdoing by correctional employees, with protections for complainant confidentiality and requirements to investigate retaliation claims
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Designates investigators of the office as peace officers and authorizes the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute criminal offenses committed by Department of Corrections employees in connection with their official duties
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Makes obstructing an investigation by the correctional ombudsperson a Class A misdemeanor and requires correctional facilities to immediately report incarcerated individual deaths, unusual incidents, and respond in writing to ombudsperson recommendations within 45 days
Legislative Description
Creates the office of the correctional ombudsperson to achieve transparency, fairness, impartiality and accountability in New York state correctional facilities; relates to reports by coroners; designates investigators of the office of the correctional ombudsperson as peace officers; authorizes the attorney general to investigate the alleged commission of any criminal offense committed by an employee of the department of corrections and community supervision in connection with their official duties; relates to the confidentiality of certain records; includes the office of the correctional ombudsperson records within the definition of public safety agency records; makes related provisions.
Last Action
referred to correction
1/7/2026