The bill, known as General Assembly Committee Bill No. 6183, proposes significant changes to the appointment process of the Child Advocate in Connecticut. It establishes an advisory committee that will appoint the Child Advocate with the approval of the General Assembly, replacing the previous system where the Governor held this authority. The advisory committee will consist of seven members appointed by various legislative leaders and the Governor, and it will be responsible for selecting a qualified candidate with expertise in child welfare and legal systems. The bill also stipulates that the Child Advocate will serve a four-year term and may continue in office until a successor is appointed.

Additionally, the bill repeals and replaces existing statutes regarding the Child Advocate's office and the advisory committee. It removes the requirement for the advisory committee to submit a list of candidates to the Governor and instead empowers the committee to make the appointment directly. The new language emphasizes the independence of the Child Advocate from state departments and mandates annual evaluations of the office's effectiveness. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aim to enhance the accountability and functionality of the Child Advocate's role in protecting children's rights and welfare.

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