HB 1888 Summary

• Establishes the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities within the Office of Administration, headed by a director appointed by the governor with senate consent serving a six-year term.

• Authorizes the office to receive and investigate complaints from persons with disabilities, provide legal advocacy, access facility records and personal data with consent, and initiate legal actions to protect disability rights.

• Grants the office authority to investigate abuse and neglect allegations, communicate privately with service recipients and their families, and access records from state agencies and private entities providing disability services.

• Creates an Accessibility Advisory Board to advise on accessibility matters related to housing, transportation, government programs, and services.

• Requires the office to file annual detailed reports to the governor, general assembly, and Missouri Supreme Court on complaints received, dispositions, and recommendations for service improvements.

• Designates the Director of the Office of Protection and Advocacy as a liaison with the Governor's Council on Disability, requiring cooperation between both entities on disability-related policy matters.