Committee advances bill to make Child Advocate appointment independent; lawmakers debate who should appoint

The Committee on Children voted to draft House Bill 6183 on Jan. 28, 2025, a measure that would restore the Office of the Child Advocate as an independent oversight office and change the appointment process so the advocate would be selected by a bipartisan board rather than solely nominated by the governor.

Supporters, including Representative Wielander, said the proposal would return the advocate’s office to its original independent structure so the advocate can “advocate for the safety of our children” without perceived oversight from another agency. Representative Wielander said the board “would be part of that” office and the advocate would be appointed by board members, adding the selection process would still provide legislative oversight through confirmation if needed.

Opponents warned the change could remove a key check. Representative Dauphine said she would vote no because she did not want to “have certain people appoint members of a board” in a way that might cede the legislature’s confirmation role. Senator Martin similarly argued the current nomination-and-confirmation process gives the legislature adequate scrutiny, citing past cases where the committee “hit the pause button” or sought additional information before approving nominees.

Representative Ladoux asked whether the board would be housed within the Office of the Child Advocate or another department; proponents clarified the board would be legislative in character and not located within another executive department. Representative Wielander said the board would be bipartisan and could recommend a nominee who would still be subject to the legislature’s vetting process.

After extended questions and debate about independence, legislative oversight and appointment mechanics, the committee approved the motion to draft HB 6183 by roll call.

The committee did not finalize appointment mechanics in the hearing; sponsors said details about the board’s composition and the confirmatory role of the legislature would be refined as the bill is drafted and through public hearing testimony.

The committee scheduled a public hearing on Feb. 6 at 1:00 PM for several items on its calendar. Votes on motions in this meeting were held open until the start of the first session, per the chair’s announcement.