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The Michigan Legislature established the Office of Legislative Corrections Ombudsman within the Legislative Council in 1975 following several prison riots throughout the country in the late 60's and early 70's. The Legislature wanted its own nonpartisan agency to investigate issues affecting the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), prisoners and Corrections staff.

The authority for the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman can be found
in Public Act 46 of 1975 and Michigan Compiled Laws sections 4.351 through 4.364

As a result of investigations, the Ombudsman makes recommendations to the MDOC when a concern is identified. The Ombudsman also makes recommendations to the Legislature, concerning changes to existing laws or suggestions for new laws whenever relevant. The Ombudsman is responsible for submitting an annual report regarding the conduct of the office to the Legislative Council and the Michigan Legislature.