This bill amends the General Laws by expanding the powers and duties of the Department of Administration to include administering a statewide planning program, providing planning assistance to state departments and agencies, administering a statewide program of photography and photographic services, and negotiating with educational institutions for state support of medical education. It also adds responsibilities such as preparing a budget, controlling accounting systems, purchasing, maintaining state buildings, operating a merit system, and running a data processing center. The department is tasked with providing civil service tests for social workers, preparing property lease reports, and submitting these reports to the finance committees of the house and senate.

Furthermore, the bill amends the General Laws concerning the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), detailing its powers and responsibilities in ensuring children's welfare and potential. It mandates cooperation with police in cases of sexual assault on minors and establishes a new hiring process for social caseworkers and child protective investigators. The bill removes the requirement for social workers to have a specific degree and be appointed from a civil-service list. It defines the responsibilities for managing programs for children with emotional disturbances or functional developmental disabilities, including autism, and outlines the need for a comprehensive network of services. The bill also sets up a temporary hiring process for DCYF, effective October 1, 2023, and requires an interim report on hiring outcomes by March 15, 2024. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6375  SUB A: 42-11-2, 42-72-5
6375: 42-11-2, 42-72-5