Bill > S0878

This bill amends the existing law to revise the membership of the Children and Youth Cabinet, increasing its total number of members from 14 to 16. The cabinet will now include the Governor and specific state officials such as the Secretaries of Children and Families, Juvenile Justice, and Health Care Administration, along with the directors of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, the Office of Early Learning, the Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office, and the State Surgeon General, as well as the Commissioner of Education. Additionally, the bill changes the title of one position from "director of the Office of Child Abuse Prevention" to "director of the Office of Adoption and Child Protection." A new member, a superintendent of schools appointed by the Governor, is added, and the number of non-service-provider representatives from children and youth advocacy organizations appointed by the Governor remains five, but the language is clarified to ensure they represent these organizations.