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SB 1710

Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsperson

2026 Regular Session

Creates an independent Ombudsperson to receive and investigate FDOC complaints, report findings, and push for reforms and transparency.

Died in Criminal Justice
#(vetoed) #subjectindex
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Bill Summary · SB 1710

Summary of SB 1710 (Session 2026) – Florida

Purpose and intent

SB 1710 proposes the creation of an Ombudsperson within the Office of the Department of Corrections. The bill seeks to establish an independent office to receive, review, and address complaints and concerns related to the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) operations, policies, and treatment of incarcerated individuals and others affected by FDOC actions. The overarching goal is to provide an additional layer of oversight and a formal mechanism for grievances beyond existing internal channels.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment of an Ombudsperson position: Creates a new office within or associated with the FDOC charged with acting as an independent advocate and liaison for inmates, detainees, and potentially staff or stakeholders impacted by FDOC decisions.
  • Complaint intake and processing: The Ombudsperson would accept complaints from individuals subject to FDOC jurisdiction (e.g., prisoners, detainees, or their families) and would have a defined process for acknowledgement, investigation, and resolution timelines.
  • Investigation authority: The office would have the authority to review FDOC policies, practices, and individual complaints, potentially with the power to request records, interview relevant parties, and coordinate with FDOC leadership.
  • Reporting requirements: The Ombudsperson would produce periodic reports summarizing trends, systemic issues, and recommended corrective actions. These reports may be submitted to the Legislature and relevant oversight committees.
  • Protection and confidentiality: Provisions would address confidentiality for complainants and protection against retaliation for individuals who file complaints.
  • Funding and staffing: The bill outlines the fiscal framework for establishing and maintaining the Ombudsperson office, including appropriations and staffing needs (subject to the appropriations process).
  • Interagency and public oversight: May include provisions for coordination with other state oversight bodies or inspectors general and mechanisms for public accessibility of certain information.

Who would be affected

  • Incarcerated individuals and detainees: Primary users of the Ombudsperson services seeking redress or clarification on FDOC practices.
  • Family members and advocates: Secondary users who can file complaints on behalf of those within FDOC custody.
  • FDOC leadership and staff: Entities the Ombudsperson would monitor, review, and potentially issue findings or recommendations to.
  • State Legislature and oversight bodies: Recipients of annual or periodic reports detailing themes, compliance issues, and recommended reforms.
  • Taxpayers/state budget: Funding implications due to new office creation and ongoing operations.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Introduction and referrals: Initial steps include referral to relevant committees (Criminal Justice; Appropriations – Criminal and Civil Justice; Fiscal Policy).
  • Committee action timeline: As indicated, the bill was introduced on January 22, 2026, and subsequently referred to multiple committees. The action history notes the bill died in Criminal Justice on March 13, 2026, which concludes its current legislative path absent new action.
  • Status implications: With the bill listed as “Died in Criminal Justice,” it did not proceed to the floor or undergo final passage in this session. If reintroduced, it would likely follow a similar committee referral pattern and require appropriations alignment for funding.

Potential impact

  • If enacted, the Ombudsperson could provide an independent channel for complaints and lead to systemic reforms within FDOC based on recurring issues identified in reports.
  • The establishment of an Ombudsperson may influence policy changes, improve transparency, and enhance accountability in corrections administration.
  • Financial implications include initial setup costs and ongoing operational funding, contingent on appropriations.

Note: This summary reflects the bill text and action history available as of the 2026 session. The bill did not advance past committee in this session.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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