CORRECTIONAL OMBUDSMAN

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Creates the Correctional Oversight Board to monitor, study, and make efforts to improve the transparency, fairness, impartiality, and accountability in State correctional institutions and facilities and to appoint the Ombudsman. Establishes the composition and appointment of the Board. Provides that no current employee of the Department of Corrections shall be appointed to or serve on the Board. Provides that the Ombudsman shall be responsible for the contemporaneous public oversight of internal affairs and the disciplinary process of the Department of Corrections. Provides that the Ombudsman may provide oversight of any Department investigation relating to the well-being, treatment, discipline, safety, or any other matter concerning committed persons or persons under parole or mandatory supervised release as needed, including personnel investigations. Creates the offense of obstructing an investigation by the Correctional Ombudsman. Provides that a violation is a Class A misdemeanor.