Bill Summary

• Establishes the Office of the Child Advocate Board effective January 1, 2025, replacing the previous advisory committee structure for appointing the Child Advocate

• Transfers Child Advocate appointment authority from the Governor (with General Assembly approval) to the independent, nonpartisan Office of the Child Advocate Board composed of seven members appointed by legislative and executive leaders

• Requires board members to have experience working with vulnerable children in child welfare, juvenile justice, or special education systems and prohibits conflicts of interest with entities subject to Child Advocate oversight

• Board shall meet at least three times yearly to appoint the Child Advocate, conduct annual performance evaluations, and advise on strategic direction; a two-thirds board majority vote required for hiring, reappointing, or removing the Child Advocate

• All changes effective January 1, 2025; members of the existing advisory committee automatically transition to the new board for the remainder of their terms