2007 Senate Bill 5295 (Creating an office of corrections ombudsman.)

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• Introduced by Sen. Jim Kastama, (D-Puyallup) on January 16, 2007, to create the “Office of Corrections Ombudsman” within the Governor’s Office. The ombudsman would be responsible for 1) providing information to offenders and their families; 2) promoting public awareness and understanding of the rights and responsibilities of confined offenders; 3) identifying system issues and responses for the Governor and the Legislature to act upon; 4) and ensuring compliance with relevant statutes, rules, and policies pertaining to corrections facilities.
  • Referred to the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee on January 16, 2007.
    • Substitute offered to the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee on February 22, 2007, to expand the definition of Offender to include individuals on supervision as well as those in custody. Members of the offender's immediate family are added to the list of individuals who may file complaints with the DOC ombudsman. The mission of the ombudsman is expanded to include rehabilitation and rights of offenders as well as the health and welfare. The use of neutral volunteers with appropriate professional backgrounds is authorized to investigate complaints. The ombudsman is permitted to accept donations.
  • Referred to the Senate Ways & Means Committee on February 22, 2007.
  • Referred to the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee on January 17, 2008.
  • Referred to the Senate Ways & Means Committee on February 7, 2008.

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Introduced by Sen. Jim Kastama, (D-Puyallup) on January 16, 2007. New Comment