LANSING, MI (WTVB) – State Rep. Jennifer Wortz (R-Quincy) this week led the Michigan House of Representatives in passing a legislative package aimed at increasing transparency and safety within the state’s correctional system.
House Bills 5920 and 5921, co-authored by Wortz and Rep. Dave Bohnak (R-Deerton), directly respond to a series of recent fatalities within Michigan correctional facilities. The bipartisan-backed legislation significantly expands the oversight authority of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman, transforming the independent office into a more robust watchdog for the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Wortz said during a hearing on the legislation she heard from countless constituents, prison staff and inmates as well as their families and all have the same concerns
Under the newly approved bills, the ombudsman’s investigative reach will broaden to accept complaints from corrections employees, prisoners’ advocates, and the families of both inmates and corrections officers, a major shift from current law, which restricts filing rights to prisoners and lawmakers.
Furthermore, the legislation grants the ombudsman direct access to critical internal medical, mental health, and mortality records without requiring individual release forms.
It also mandates the publication of monthly and annual reports to keep the public informed on complaint metrics and outcomes.
The legislative package now advances to the Michigan Senate for further consideration.
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