But since this is all the public has right now, the Legislature should do its best to support it. Ombudsman Vicki Wallen, who heads the effort, says her largest problem is guaranteeing confidentiality to those who come forward with information. Already that has been threatened by a request from the Attorney General's Office for files to aid in defending the state in a civil case. The response is Engrossed House Bill 3041, which would give a qualified immunity to informants. The bill has unanimously passed both houses, but in slightly different versions.
Legislators now have to agree on a common version.
It is unusual to grant such immunity to a branch of government. It is not a special prosecutor or an organization of police. Its effort is aimed not at citizens but at the government. Our worry is not that it is too powerful, but that it may not have enough power. While legislators are working on a compromise bill, they might also add resources.