HB 2689 Missouri House · 2024 Regular Session

Establishes the "Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman"

This bill creates a new Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman to monitor conditions and address complaints regarding inmate welfare, safety, and rights. The office will consist of two sections dedicated to inspections and complaint investigations, with the authority to collect data on issues such as abuse, medical care, sanitation, and access to education or family visits. An independent ombudsman will lead the office and conduct regular facility inspections while issuing public reports on findings and recommendations. The position is overseen by a bipartisan oversight committee that includes former inmates, medical professionals, and family members of incarcerated individuals to ensure diverse representation. Staff members hired by the office must adhere to strict conflict-of-interest rules to maintain independence from the Department of Corrections.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 13, 2024 Last action May 17, 2024
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
May 17, 2024
Committee
Referred: General Laws(H)
lower
Feb 13, 2024
Introduced
Introduced and Read First Time (H)
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Tony Lovasco
Tony Lovasco
RRepublican
MO
64