Bill > S124

This bill establishes a comprehensive state protection and advocacy system for individuals with disabilities, designed to investigate abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation while advocating for their civil and human rights. The system will be an independent, private nonprofit organization designated under federal disability assistance acts, with broad authority to investigate incidents, pursue legal remedies, provide information and referrals, and access facilities where individuals with disabilities receive services. The protection and advocacy system will have the power to interview staff, inspect records (with proper consent), communicate privately with service recipients, and monitor compliance with rights and safety standards. Key provisions include mandatory cooperation from state departments, a requirement to maintain client confidentiality, and the ability to report investigation findings to relevant agencies while protecting individual identities. The bill also includes protections against retaliation for individuals who file complaints or cooperate with the system's activities, and mandates that administrative remedies be exhausted before legal action, with an exception for preventing imminent serious harm. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to require immediate reporting of disability-related deaths to the protection and advocacy system, the attorney general, district attorneys, and medical examiners, enhancing oversight and potential intervention in cases of potential abuse or neglect.