Bill > S3785

Introduced Session

This bill creates the Office of the Nonprofit Ombudsperson in but not of the Department of the Treasury. The purpose of the ombudsperson is to provide information and assistance to, and act as an advocate for, nonprofit organizations interacting with State agencies. The office will be independent of any supervision or control by the Department of the Treasury or any board or officer thereof, or any other cabinet-level department, board, or officer thereof. Under the bill, the Governor will appoint a Nonprofit Ombudsperson, who is qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of the office, and be a person of recognized judgment, integrity, and objectivity who is skilled in communication, conflict resolution, and professionalism. The ombudsperson will organize and direct the work of the office, including creating and maintaining a website, and serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The ombudsperson will: 1) participate in, monitor, and report on the participating State agencies' compliance with the nonprofit information center portal established in the Department of State that provides information accessible on the internet for nonprofit organizations regarding various resources available to assist them in their daily operations; 2) communicate and consult regularly with nonprofit organizations operating in the State and associations representing these nonprofit organizations; 3) provide technical assistance to nonprofit organizations to assist in compliance with the regulations of State agencies; 4) investigate complaints from nonprofit organizations about State agencies, and assist these nonprofit organizations in seeking a resolution; 5) report nonprofit organizations' concerns and recommendations to the heads of the various State agencies; and 6) develop and share innovative procurement and contracting practices to increase opportunities for nonprofit organizations. The bill also amends the law that created the nonprofit information center portal in the Department of State to provide information accessible on the internet for nonprofit organizations. The bill requires the Office of the Nonprofit Ombudsperson to participate in the nonprofit information center portal and monitor the designated home website of each department and agency participating in the nonprofit information center portal. The bill requires the Office of the Nonprofit Ombudsperson to submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature detailing the activities and compliance issues of State agencies with respect to the requirements of the law establishing the nonprofit information center portal. Finally, the bill appropriates $329,000 from the General Fund to the Department of the Treasury to support the costs of establishing and operating the Office of the Nonprofit Ombudsperson.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Angela Mcknight (D)*,  Britnee Timberlake (D)*,  John McKeon (D), 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 10/10/2024)

Official Document