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Bill would codify confidentiality for Child and Family Ombudsman requests
Summary
Sen. Lentz introduced SB 251 to codify confidentiality protections for requesters who contact the Child and Family Ombudsman; the ombudsman told the committee most requesters (about 93%) ask for confidentiality while the office works with agencies.
Sen. Dennis Lentz opened a hearing on Senate Bill 251, a measure that would codify confidentiality protections for persons who contact the Child and Family Ombudsman in matters involving child-welfare concerns. The bill is intended to clarify the ombudsman's ability to offer confidentiality to requesters while the office engages with agencies.
Kaci Gaub-Bruno, the Child and Family Ombudsman in the Department of Justice, testified as an informational witness that the office already uses confidentiality in policy and practice and that codifying the protection would align statute with its procedures. "I believe it's 93% of the time our citizen requesters ask for confidentiality while we're speaking with the agency," Gaub-Bruno said, adding that requesters fear retaliation.
Committee members asked whether the bill needs a companion appropriation or a separate funding vehicle to expand the ombudsman's office. Lentz said the Senate has discussed funding expansion in other proposals and that he would continue outreach to appropriations and House members about carryover or companion bills.
The hearing closed without a committee vote; the sponsor said he would pursue funding conversations and noted the Department of Justice had expressed interest in strengthening the ombudsman's office in the future.
