Michigan legislators push prison oversight reforms amid safety concerns

State Reps. Jennifer Wortz, R-Quincy, and Karl Bohnak, R-Deerton, announced House Bills 5920 and 5921 this week.

Current law only allows prisoners or legislators to file complaints with the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman, an independent office responsible for investigating complaints involving the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Under the proposed legislation, which has received broad bipartisan support, corrections employees, family members of prisoners or corrections officers, and prisoner advocates would also be able to submit complaints.

Wortz told The Center Square in an exclusive interview that the legislation was prompted in part by concerns raised by constituents about conditions at correctional facilities, particularly in her district.

“We have had several complaints into the office about issues within the prison system, especially the one in Coldwater which is in my district,” Wortz explained. “I also had a meeting with the legislative corrections ombudsman’s office last year about better transparency and reporting. They conveyed then that they would like to see better reporting as well.”

Wortz said the legislation has also received support from prison reform advocates and builds on bipartisan discussions already underway in the state legislature.

“Citizens for Prison Reform has helped with the legislation on this, and it passed through the Senate with bipartisan support,” she said. “It’s something everyone seems to agree on that needs to be improved.”

The bills comes after several recent inmate deaths, including at the Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility and Florence Crane Correctional Facility, that have raised questions about oversight and prison conditions.

“It has been tragically apparent that more accountability is needed,” Wortz said in a statement. “We need to guarantee that our correctional facilities are being operated with safety and transparency.”

The bills would also require the corrections department to provide the ombudsman with access to medical, mental health, mortality and morbidity records without requiring special release forms. Additionally, the ombudsman would be required to publish monthly and annual public reports detailing the number of complaints received and how they were resolved.

Wortz said accountability and reform is needed throughout the corrections system.

“Prisoners are in prison to be held accountable for their actions,” she told The Center Square. “How can we not expect accountability and transparency from the corrections officers and from the management of our prisons as well? Right now this seems to be lacking.”

She said she is optimistic the legislation will receive bipartisan support.

“If you are against accountability and reporting of issues, then I would ask why,” Wortz said. “What is there to hide?”

Wortz also argued prison reform is critical for both inmate rehabilitation and staff retention, noting most inmates will eventually return to their communities.

“Keep in mind 90% of inmates will re-enter society,” she said. “Ensuring that they are treated fairly and learn accountability is critical to their success outside of prison.”

She added that, on the flip side, poor working conditions and a lack of support for corrections officers can also worsen staffing shortages and create additional safety risks.

“When corrections officers are leaving because they don’t feel supported when they report abuse within the system, including of other staff, then we only create a bigger issue in the end,” Wortz said. “Fewer staff working double shifts creates the potential for more problems. This bill is a start, but we do need to continue to look at ways to improve safety and health conditions for all.”

The bills have been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for further review.