Gov. Ned Lamont's nominee to oversee Connecticut prisons, DeVaughn Ward, faced lawmakers Tuesday at the state Capitol.

A legislative committee advanced his nomination for Corrections Ombudsman that afternoon.

Ward, who has family ties to the prison system, said, "Having had family members who have served significant sentences … has given me an intimate understanding of the human side of our justice system."

The role aims to address inmate complaints about excessive force and poor conditions.

Lamont withdrew his first choice after civil rights groups objected.