Senate Bill No. 437 (SB437 File No. 399) proposes significant changes to the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) within the Office of Governmental Accountability, effective January 1, 2025. The bill removes the Governor's role, with General Assembly approval, in appointing the Child Advocate and instead assigns this responsibility to a newly established Office of the Child Advocate Board. This board will be composed of seven members with relevant experience in child-related systems, and it will have the authority to appoint the Child Advocate, who will serve a four-year term and may be reappointed. The bill also ensures the Child Advocate's independence from state departments and allows the Associate Child Advocate to serve as acting Child Advocate in case of a vacancy.

Furthermore, SB437 File No. 399 amends the duties of the Child Advocate, requiring them to evaluate service delivery to children by state agencies, review complaints, assist children and families, review child placement facilities, recommend policy changes, and ensure children's rights. The Child Advocate must report to the board at least three times a year and prepare a detailed report on the conditions of confinement for children every two years. The bill also grants the Child Advocate the power to issue subpoenas for records if access is denied and establishes a separate nonlapsing account for funds received through grants, gifts, and bequests. The confidentiality of communications with the Child Advocate is maintained, with certain exceptions for disclosure in the public interest or to perform the Child Advocate's duties. The bill has no fiscal impact on the state or municipalities and was passed by the Government Administration and Elections Committee with unanimous support.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
GAE Joint Favorable:
File No. 399: