2018 -- H 7389

========

LC003640

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2018

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - CHILD ADVOCATE OFFICE

     Introduced By: Representatives Morgan, Quattrocchi, Giarrusso, Nardolillo, and
Mendonca

     Date Introduced: February 01, 2018

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 42-73-9 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-73 entitled "Child

Advocate Office" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     42-73-9. Rights and powers of advocate.

     The child advocate shall have the following rights and powers:

     (1) To communicate privately, by mail or orally, with any child in treatment, or under

protective services;

     (2) To have access, including the right to inspect, copy and/or subpoena records held by

the clerk of the family court, law enforcement, agencies, and institutions, public or private, and

other agencies, or persons with whom a particular child has been either voluntarily or otherwise

placed for care, or has received treatment within or without the state, regardless of who may have

created such records, and regardless of where or in whose custody such records may reside;

     (3) To take whatever steps are appropriate to see that persons are made aware of the

services of the child advocate's office, its purpose, and how it can be contacted;

     (4) To apply for and accept grants, gifts and bequests of funds from other states, federal

and interstate agencies and independent authorities, and private firms, individuals and

foundations, for the purpose of carrying out his or her lawful responsibilities. The funds shall be

deposited with the general treasurer in a restricted receipt account established within the office to

permit funds to be expended in accordance with the provisions of the grant or bequest; and

     (5) To exercise the powers conferred upon a trustee pursuant to the provisions of § 18-4-2

and to be exempt from the provisions of chapter 15 of title 33.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

========

LC003640

========

LC003640 - Page 2 of 3

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - CHILD ADVOCATE OFFICE

***

     This act would re-enforce the authority of the office of the child advocate in accessing

records necessary to its investigative powers.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

========

LC003640

========

LC003640 - Page 3 of 3