Maryland House Bill HB64

Maryland 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23

Caption

Office of the Attorney General - Correctional Ombudsman

Impact

The introduction of this bill will lead to the creation of a Correctional Ombudsman Advisory Board, which will provide support and help identify appropriate matters for investigation. The Ombudsman is also authorized to refer issues for criminal charges or disciplinary proceedings when necessary, thus increasing accountability within the corrections system. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Ombudsman maintains a public reporting mechanism to transparency and public engagement.

Summary

House Bill 64 establishes the Office of the Correctional Ombudsman within the Office of the Attorney General. This significant legislative initiative aims to enhance oversight of Maryland's correctional facilities by providing a dedicated authority to investigate complaints and assess administrative actions taken by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The Ombudsman is tasked with conducting reviews and investigations of health services, educational programs, and conditions within correctional facilities to ensure compliance with established regulations and standards.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding House Bill 64 is the allocation of state resources to fund the Office of the Ombudsman, especially regarding staffing requirements for effective operation. The legislation specifically outlines staffing plans for the initial years, which some legislators may see as either a necessary investment in justice reform or as an unnecessary government expansion. Additionally, the level of oversight and interaction between the Ombudsman and existing correctional agencies could prompt debates about jurisdiction and operational autonomy, particularly in relation to how much influence the Ombudsman will hold in disciplinary matters within corrections.