OR SB1159

Transfers the Office of Children's Advocate from the Department of Human Services to the Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman, establishing it as an independent entity separate from any other state agency

Creates the Children's Advocacy Advisory Board with 15 members to nominate candidates for the Children's Advocate position; the Governor appoints the Advocate for a four-year term from a list of three nominees submitted by the board, subject to Senate confirmation

Expands the Children's Advocate's authority to investigate complaints affecting children in child welfare or juvenile justice services, including power to enter facilities without prior notice, access confidential records, issue subpoenas, and bring suit to compel cooperation from state or private entities

Transfers oversight of Critical Incident Review Teams (which review child fatalities believed to result from abuse) from the Director of Human Services to the Children's Advocate, who must publish final reports within 100 days of team assignment

Establishes obstructing a Children's Advocate investigation as a Class A misdemeanor and prohibits retaliation against persons who file complaints or participate in investigations, with the act taking effect on the 91st day after legislative adjournment and becoming operative January 1, 2026