This bill amends Section 42-11-2 of the General Laws to give the Department of Administration new powers and duties. These include administering a statewide planning program, administering a statewide program of photography and photographic services, and negotiating with educational institutions for state support of medical education. The amendment also outlines other powers and duties of the department, such as preparing budgets, controlling accounting systems, purchasing supplies and services, maintaining state buildings, and operating a data processing center. The department is also required to provide civil service tests for social workers, prepare reports on property leases and rentals, and provide reports on current state-owned or leased property.

In addition, the bill makes amendments to existing law in Section 1. It adds new requirements for the Department of Administration to provide reports and information related to state buildings and operating costs. It also encourages municipalities, school districts, and quasi-public agencies to participate in state contracts or collaborative agreements for cost savings. The bill also establishes the administration of a health benefit exchange. In Section 2, the bill amends the powers and activities of the Department of Children, Youth and Families, including implementing a hiring process, evaluating services, licensing group homes and foster homes, and coordinating community resources. The bill also specifies the responsibilities of the department in providing services to seriously emotionally disturbed children and children with functional developmental disabilities. It defines these terms and outlines funding, access to services, transition planning, and the development of a comprehensive continuum of care. The bill also establishes a temporary process for hiring social caseworkers and child protective investigators at the Department of Children, Youth, and Families for a one-year period. The department is required to provide an interim report on hiring data and any identified barriers to hiring.

Statutes affected:
1071  SUB A: 42-11-2, 42-72-5
1071: 42-11-2, 42-72-5