DE HB136

Establishes the Child Protection Accountability Commission to investigate and review deaths or near deaths of abused or neglected children, replacing the previous "Child Death, Near Death and Stillbirth Commission" functions for abuse and neglect cases.

Requires the Attorney General, Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families, and other state agencies to report deaths or near deaths of abused or neglected children to the Child Protection Accountability Commission within 14 days of determination.

Grants the Child Protection Accountability Commission power to administer oaths, issue subpoenas for witnesses and records, and complete investigations within 6 months (extendable to 9 months for good cause or ongoing criminal prosecution).

Designates the Child Advocate as Executive Director of the Child Protection Accountability Commission with staff support to investigate and review child deaths and near deaths.

Maintains the Child Death Review Commission (renamed from "Child Death, Near Death and Stillbirth Commission") to review all child deaths under age 18 except abuse and neglect cases, with coordination between both commissions through annual public meetings.