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Sponsor seeks statutory confidentiality protections for Child and Family Ombudsman office
Summary
Sen. Dennis Lenz said Senate Bill 251 would codify confidentiality practices for the Child and Family Ombudsman as the office’s role is contemplated for expansion; the ombudsman testified the change would formalize existing procedures and staff indicated the standalone bill does not include an appropriation.
Senator Dennis Lenz opened the hearing on Senate Bill 251 on March 17, saying the bill addresses confidentiality provisions for the Child and Family Ombudsman as the sponsor pursues broader plans to expand the office in a companion bill.
Kacey Gabriena (recorded in the hearing transcript as the child and family ombudsman) testified as an informational witness that requesters who come to the ombudsman's office frequently ask for confidentiality while staff speak with agencies. She said the office already follows confidentiality in procedures and would benefit from codified statutory confidentiality so requesters could be assured protection from retaliation.
Committee members asked how the bill would operate without an appropriation or companion expansion bill. The sponsor said a statutory confidentiality change could function alone but that he and the ombudsman hoped to follow with appropriations and additional legislation (Senate Bill 250 and the House appropriation in HB 2) to expand the office. The sponsor said he would continue discussions about funding and possible amendments.
No committee vote or final action occurred during the hearing; members and the sponsor discussed possible next steps if the companion appropriation does not advance.
