(A) There is created the "Military-Connected Children's Welfare Task Force" for the purpose of identifying issues related to military-connected children and opening communication between child welfare agencies of this State and local military installations. The task force shall study issues relating to military-connected children as the task force may undertake or as may be requested by the General Assembly.

(B) The task force is to be comprised of the following members:

(1) the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services, or his designee;

(2) the Governor, or his designee;

(3) the Speaker of the House of Representatives, or his designee;

(4) the President of the Senate, or his designee; and

(5) a representative of the Children's Trust Fund.

(C) The task force shall meet as soon as practicable after the effective date of this act for organizational purposes.

(D) The task force shall submit an annual written report to the General Assembly including recommendations to facilitate and open communication between child welfare agencies of this State and local military installations. The findings and recommendations of the task force shall be posted on the Department of Health and Human Services' website.

(E) The members of the task force shall serve without compensation and may not receive mileage or per diem.

HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 289 (S.825), Pt IV, Section 4, eff June 23, 2014; 2019 Act No. 1 (S.2), Section 79, eff January 31, 2019.

Effect of Amendment

2019 Act No. 1, Section 79, in (B)(4), substituted "President of the Senate" for "President Pro Tempore of the Senate".