HB6203 Summary

• Requires the Office of Inspector General to immediately refer evidence of crimes against adults with disabilities to law enforcement (rather than following internal policies).

• Mandates immediate oral reports to both law enforcement and coroner/medical examiner when an adult with disabilities dies and a prior complaint of abuse, neglect, or exploitation was made, regardless of whether substantiated, with written confirmation required.

• Establishes mandatory training standards for investigators covering abuse dynamics, evidence analysis, specialized interviewing techniques, and coordination with law enforcement and judicial agencies, conducted at least annually.

• Requires the Department to seek guardian appointment when an adult with disabilities lacks capacity to consent to necessary services or assessment, including court-ordered evaluation of physical, psychological, medical condition and decisional capacity.

• Prohibits employer retaliation against employees who disclose violations of the Act or related state/federal laws to government or law enforcement agencies, subject to whistleblower protections.