Our partners at Citizens for Prison Reform are making progress on oversight — Michigan House leadership has scheduled a committee hearing for two bills that would strengthen and expand the work of the Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman.
You can support these bills by
- Submitting written testimony by 12 Noon on Monday, August 24 (see below for how to submit testimony)
- Attending the hearing on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. in Room 521, House Office Building, Lansing, Michigan
- Sharing this information with your network
What HB 5920 and HB 5921 Would Do
These bills would strengthen the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman and improve the office’s ability to provide meaningful oversight of the Michigan Department of Corrections.
- Require public reporting of Ombudsman investigations
- Expand the ways complaints can be filed
- Strengthen the Ombudsman’s ability to work with outside experts
Read HB 5920 and HB 5921
Submit Your Written Testimony Today
We need families, formerly incarcerated people, advocates, organizations, and concerned Michigan residents to submit written testimony through the link below supporting stronger oversight and a more effective Corrections Ombudsman.
The more testimony lawmakers receive, the more clearly they will see that Michigan residents and advocacy organizations support accountability, transparency, and meaningful independent oversight.
Corrections Ombudsman Bills Hearing
Committee: House Committee on Judiciary
Chair: Rep. Sarah Lightner
Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: Room 521, House Office Building, Lansing, Michigan
Contact: Melissa Sweet, Committee Clerk
Phone: 517-373-5176
Email: msweet@house.mi.gov
Attend, Watch, and Share
Attend the hearing in Lansing if you can. If you cannot be there in person, watch virtually on House TV and share this announcement with everyone who cares about prison oversight and accountability.
This Hearing Is an Important Step Forward
Thank you to every family member, formerly incarcerated person, advocate, partner, and supporter who has helped bring this legislation to a hearing. Let’s make sure lawmakers hear from our communities.
For more updates on the hearing, follow Citizens for Prison Reform on Facebook. Be sure also to check MI-CEMI’s updates on Facebook, Instagram, or Bluesky.