Advocates push for independent Department of Corrections watchdog

By: Jordan Hansen

Outlets: Daily Montanan

Published: May 19, 2026

Words: 1,875

Last Updated: 2 months ago

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Lawmakers and advocates for incarcerated Montanans discussed the possibility of adding an independent watchdog for the Department of Corrections, potentially through an ombudsman, during meetings of the Interim Law and Justice Committee this month.

Following requests from prison rights advocates, the Interim Law and Justice committee added an ombudsman panel to their agenda for May 7. The idea had previously also been discussed in a Criminal Justice Oversight Council meeting earlier this spring.

The ombudsman …

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