HB 603 Missouri House · 2025 Regular Session

Establishes the "Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman" and provisions relating to department of corrections oversight

HB 603 establishes Missouri's Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman to independently monitor correctional conditions and investigate complaints. The ombudsman office, with inspection and complaints investigation sections, directly affects incarcerated people and correctional staff by addressing "covered issues" like sanitation, safety, medical care, access to programs, and abuse allegations. Key provisions require the ombudsman to monitor department compliance with safety standards, provide information about rights, and investigate concerns raised by incarcerated individuals, staff, or family members. The bill mandates the ombudsman report annually to the governor and legislature on findings and recommendations. This creates a new oversight mechanism within the Department of Corrections, focusing on transparency and accountability.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Dec 17, 2024 Last action Apr 2, 2025
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Mar 19, 2025
Committee
Referred: Corrections and Public Institutions(H)
lower
Dec 17, 2024
Introduced
Prefiled (H)
lower
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors