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HB 1964

TO MOVE THE CHILD WELFARE OMBUDSMAN DIVISION AND THE JUVENILE OMBUDSMAN DIVISION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTOR GENERAL; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Keith Brooks and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1964 enhances oversight of Arkansas' juvenile services by transferring ombudsman divisions to the Department of Inspector General, improving care for youth in custody.

Notification that HB1964 is now Act 825
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Bill Summary · HB 1964

Summary of House Bill 1964 (HB 1964)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1964 (HB 1964) aims to enhance the oversight and accountability of child welfare and juvenile services in Arkansas by transferring the Child Welfare Ombudsman Division and the Juvenile Ombudsman Division to the Department of Inspector General. This legislation seeks to create a more independent and effective framework for monitoring the welfare of juveniles in state custody and ensuring their rights and needs are adequately addressed.

Key Provisions

  • Transfer of Divisions: The bill mandates the relocation of the Child Welfare Ombudsman Division from the Arkansas Child Abuse/Rape/Domestic Violence Commission and the Juvenile Ombudsman Division from the Arkansas Public Defender Commission to the Department of Inspector General. These divisions will collectively be renamed as the Division of Ombudsmen.

  • Creation of Offices: The legislation establishes two new offices:

    • Office of the Child Welfare Ombudsman
    • Office of the Juvenile Ombudsman

  • Ombudsman Responsibilities: The ombudsmen will have several critical responsibilities, including:

    • Access to tracking systems and records related to juvenile care.
    • The ability to conduct unannounced visits to facilities.
    • Documentation and reporting of juveniles' complaints and concerns.
    • Preparation of annual reports on the functioning of the Division of Youth Services.

  • Qualifications: The bill outlines minimum qualifications for ombudsman positions, requiring relevant educational backgrounds and direct experience in juvenile services.

  • Emergency Clause: The bill includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon being signed into law.

Impact

  • Affected Entities: The bill primarily impacts the Arkansas Department of Inspector General, the Arkansas Child Abuse/Rape/Domestic Violence Commission, and the Arkansas Public Defender Commission. Additionally, it affects juveniles in state custody and their families by enhancing oversight and support services.

  • Enhanced Oversight: By moving these divisions under the Department of Inspector General, the bill aims to provide more robust oversight of juvenile facilities, ensuring that the rights and welfare of juveniles are prioritized.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: April 1, 2025
  • Passed: The bill passed through various legislative stages, including:
    • April 8, 2025: Passed in the House.
    • April 14, 2025: Passed in the Senate with an emergency clause adopted.
    • April 17, 2025: Notification that HB 1964 is now Act 825.

This summary provides an overview of HB 1964, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the anticipated impact on child welfare and juvenile services in Arkansas.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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