Ohio prisons oversight agency would be cut in state budget plan

A small state agency that serves as a watchdog over adult and juvenile prisons across Ohio is facing dramatic changes in the state budget bill.

The Corrections Institution Inspection Committee and its staff inspect dozens of prisons, review complaints and examine big picture criminal justice issues.

State Rep. Mark Johnson, R-Chillicothe, who is vice chair of the prison inspection committee, said state senators are pushing to move the duties and staff under the Ohio attorney general. For the past 48 years, lawmakers and appointed staff have handled the inspection and report duties.