§26209. Advisory Committee to the Child Advocate
1.
Membership.
The Advisory Committee to the Child Advocate, as established in section 12004‑G, subsection 5‑C, consists of the following members:
A.
A member of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate;
[PL 2025, c. 724, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 724, §13 (AFF).]
B.
A member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House;
[PL 2025, c. 724, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 724, §13 (AFF).]
C.
Two members with lived experience with children's services administered by a state agency, including child protection, juvenile justice and developmental or educational services, as a child or family member, one of whom is appointed by the President of the Senate and one of whom is appointed by the Speaker of the House;
[PL 2025, c. 724, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 724, §13 (AFF).]
D.
One member with expertise in special education appointed by the President of the Senate;
[PL 2025, c. 724, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 724, §13 (AFF).]
E.
One member with expertise in mental health and substance use disorder treatment appointed by the Speaker of the House;
[PL 2025, c. 724, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 724, §13 (AFF).]
F.
One member with expertise in juvenile justice systems and restorative justice appointed by the President of the Senate;
[PL 2025, c. 724, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 724, §13 (AFF).]
G.
One member with policy expertise in children's behavioral health services or child welfare appointed by the Speaker of the House;
[PL 2025, c. 724, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 724, §13 (AFF).]
H.
One member representing the Maine Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics or a successor organization appointed by the Governor;
[PL 2025, c. 724, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 724, §13 (AFF).]
I.
One member with expertise in standards that apply in juvenile correctional facilities appointed by the Governor; and
[PL 2025, c. 724, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 724, §13 (AFF).]
J.
A member of the public appointed by the Governor.
[PL 2025, c. 724, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 724, §13 (AFF).]
The advisory committee members shall elect a chair at the beginning of each calendar year. The chair may be reelected by the advisory committee.
[RR 2025, c. 2, Pt. A, §21 (COR).]
2.
Designees.
A member of the advisory committee may appoint a designee to represent the member on the advisory committee. A designee, once appointed, qualifies as a full voting member of the advisory committee with all the rights and privileges of full membership on the advisory committee.
[PL 2025, c. 724, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 724, §13 (AFF).]
3.
Terms of members.
Legislative members of the advisory committee serve a term coterminous with their term in office. All other members serve 3-year terms. Members may be reappointed. Any vacancy on the advisory committee must be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, but for the unexpired term.
[PL 2025, c. 724, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 724, §13 (AFF).]
4.
Duties.
The advisory committee shall:
A.
Recommend at least 3 qualified candidates to the Governor, ranked in order by qualifications, for appointment to the position of Child Advocate, except that, at the conclusion of the Child Advocate's 5-year term and upon receipt of a request from the Child Advocate to be considered for reappointment, the advisory committee shall determine whether to recommend reappointment;
[PL 2025, c. 724, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 724, §13 (AFF).]
B.
Evaluate the Child Advocate's performance as determined necessary based on feedback received related to the Child Advocate;
[PL 2025, c. 724, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 724, §13 (AFF).]
C.
Annually recommend whether the Child Advocate should receive a cost-of-living increase, salary increase or both in accordance with performance evaluations and request that the Governor include the necessary appropriation in the next biennial or supplemental budget;
[PL 2025, c. 724, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 724, §13 (AFF).]
D.
Advise the Child Advocate on the strategic direction of the office and its mission and help promote the use of, engagement in and access to the office;
[PL 2025, c. 724, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 724, §13 (AFF).]
E.
Work cooperatively with the Child Advocate to provide fiscal oversight of the general operating budget of the office and ensure that the office operates in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and state and federal laws relating to children's services; and
[PL 2025, c. 724, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 724, §13 (AFF).]
F.
Provide consultation to the office in its effort to promote an effective, comprehensive and coordinated system of services and programs for children and families.
[PL 2025, c. 724, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 724, §13 (AFF).]
[PL 2025, c. 724, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 724, §13 (AFF).]
5.
Quorum; meetings.
Six members of the advisory committee constitute a quorum for a meeting. The advisory committee may meet as often as necessary but no less than 3 times a year.
[PL 2025, c. 724, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 724, §13 (AFF).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2025, c. 724, §3 (NEW). PL 2025, c. 724, §13 (AFF). RR 2025, c. 2, Pt. A, §21 (COR).