The bill in question, Substitute House Bill No. 5159, with File No. 22, aims to establish a task force to study the responsiveness of state agencies and the Judicial Branch to issues concerning child sexual abuse. The task force's objective is to examine the policies and practices of state agencies and the Judicial Branch as they relate to children, with the goal of identifying ways to detect, mitigate, prevent, and effectively respond to child sexual abuse. The term "state agency" encompasses a variety of departments including Children and Families, Public Health, Developmental Services, Social Services, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Emergency Services and Public Protection, and Education.

The task force will be composed of various appointed members with expertise in fields relevant to child welfare, such as attorneys, psychologists, clinical social workers, physicians, and representatives from organizations dedicated to preventing sexual violence and children's advocacy centers. The bill specifies the appointing authorities for each member and includes provisions for the inclusion of General Assembly members, the appointment process, the selection of chairpersons, and administrative support. The task force is required to submit a report with findings and recommendations by January 1, 2025, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly related to children and the judiciary. The report should include legislative recommendations and suggestions for policy or procedural changes within state agencies or the Judicial Branch. The task force will terminate upon submission of the report or on January 1, 2025, whichever is later. The bill also includes insertions to clarify the language and ensure accuracy, such as specifying "the commissioner's designee" for certain roles and making minor textual amendments for consistency and precision.