HB 5443 Summary

• Creates the kinship caregiver advisory council within the Department of Health and Human Services to study needs of kinship caregivers and advocate for system reforms benefiting kinship families.

• Council composition includes 4 state officials (directors of children's services and aging/adult services, superintendent of public instruction, state court administrator) and 19 appointed public members representing kinship caregivers, child advocacy organizations, private agencies, mental health professionals, attorneys, tribes, and other relevant stakeholders.

• Council must meet at least 4 times annually, hold 2 public meetings across the state, and operate under the Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act.

• Council shall conduct assessment of kinship caregivers' prevalence and needs within 12 months, provide initial report to legislature and governor within 18 months, and submit annual follow-up reports with recommendations for policy and service improvements.

• Act takes immediate effect only if House Bill 5444 is also enacted; establishes council's authority to accept federal funds and gifts to support operations.