ID S1459

Appropriates $470,000 to the Office of Health and Social Services Ombudsman for fiscal year 2025 ($325,000 for personnel costs, $125,000 for operating expenditures, and $20,000 for capital outlay).

Authorizes the Office of Health and Social Services Ombudsman no more than 3.00 full-time equivalent positions during July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, unless specifically authorized by the Governor.

Reduces the appropriation to the Department of Health and Welfare Division of Indirect Support Services by $470,000 from the Cooperative Welfare Fund for the same fiscal period.

Reduces the full-time equivalent position authorization for the Department of Health and Welfare Division of Indirect Support Services by 3.00 positions.

Requires the Office of Health and Social Services Ombudsman to deliver an interim report by December 1, 2024 on the office's initial work and current child welfare operations, with recommendations to relevant state officials and agencies.