Bill to increase oversight of Maine’s jails headed to Gov. Mills’ desk

Maine State Prison, located in Warren. (Photo by Evan Popp/Maine Morning Star)

The Maine Legislature passed legislation to strengthen existing avenues for oversight of Maine jails, a compromise after an initial proposal for a corrections ombudsman faced pushback.  

Debate on this bill underscored the current lack of independent oversight of the Maine Department of Corrections, as there have been years-long vacancies on boards of visitors — panels assigned to each correctional facility tasked with inspecting and reviewing their management — and instances where lawmakers have been denied entry to facilities. 

Read the full article in the Maine Morning Star.