SB 5294-S.E2 - DIGEST
(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 5/02/17)

Addresses the department of corrections' early release error of over thirty-two hundred prisoners during a thirteen-year period.

Authorizes the creation of the office of the corrections ombuds, independent of the department of corrections and the governor's office, and funded through the office of the state auditor.

Requires the governor to: (1) Convene an ombuds advisory council with several purposes in support of the ombuds function; and

(2) Ensure that all offices are performing their duties and all personal and professional conflicts of interest are avoided.

Requires the state auditor to designate the nonprofit organization that will contract to operate the office of the corrections ombuds.

Directs the office of financial management to require the performance audit of the state employee whistleblower program to review the legislative report from the senate law and justice committee and other pertinent documentation regarding the department of corrections early release error, with particular focus on the inability of department of corrections employees to use the state employee whistleblower program to address concerns with mismanagement of the department of corrections.

Prohibits the settlement of a cause of action brought by an employee from containing a provision prohibiting the employee from future work in state government.

Requires the joint legislative audit and review committee to conduct an immediate performance audit of the information technology and records departments at the department of corrections.

Creates the joint legislative task force to simplify criminal sentencing to: (1) Review and make recommendations regarding how the sentencing reform act of 1981 can be simplified; and

(2) Limit the review to technical, nonsubstantive changes that will not reduce punishment or risk public safety.