2449-S2 AMH DUNN REIN 027

2SHB 2449 - H AMD 1147

By Representative Dunn

FAILED 2/15/2008

   On page 13, after line 22, insert the following:

   "NEW SECTION. Sec. 10. A new section is added to chapter 43.215 RCW to read as follows:

   (1) There is hereby created an ombudsman for child care providers within the department for the purpose of identifying system issues and responses for the governor and the legislature to act upon, and monitoring and ensuring the department's compliance with administrative acts, relevant statutes, rules, and policies pertaining to licensing of child care providers. The ombudsman shall report directly to the governor and shall exercise his or her powers and duties independently of the director of the department.    (2) The ombudsman shall perform the following duties:

   (a) Provide information as appropriate on the rights and responsibilities of child care providers;
   (b) Investigate, upon his or her own initiative or upon receipt of a complaint, an administrative act alleged to be contrary to law, rule, or policy, imposed without an adequate statement of reason, or based on irrelevant, immaterial, or erroneous grounds; however, the ombudsman may decline to investigate any complaint as provided by rules adopted under this chapter;
   (c) Act as an advocate for child care providers in disputes between the department and the provider;

   (d) Monitor the procedures established, implemented, and practiced by the department to carry out its responsibilities in licensing child care providers;
   (e) Recommend changes in the procedures for addressing the needs of child care providers; and

   (f) Submit annually to appropriate legislative committees and to the governor by November 1 a report analyzing the work of the ombudsman including recommendations."

   Renumber the sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

   Correct the title.

EFFECT: Creates an ombudsman for child care providers. Requires the ombudsman to: provide information on provider rights and responsibilities; investigate administrative acts alleged to be contrary to law; act as an advocate for providers; monitor and recommend changes in the Department of Early Learning's licensing procedures; and report annually to the Legislature and the Governor.