An Act establishing a correctional inspector general office

This bill creates a new Correctional Inspector General office in Massachusetts to oversee and improve transparency within the state's correctional facilities. The office will be led by a civilian appointed by the attorney general, state auditor, and treasurer from a list of three candidates provided by a diverse nominating committee that includes representatives from various community groups and legal organizations. The inspector general will serve a five-year term, can be removed only for just cause, and is prohibited from having prior employment in the Department of Correction or any sheriff's office to ensure independence. By adding records from this new office to the state's public records law, the legislation aims to increase accountability and oversight for incarcerated populations without specifying particular operational changes.