HB 5007

Abstract

Creates the Department of Juvenile Justice Mortality Review Team Act and amends the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that upon the occurrence of the death of any youth in the Department of Juvenile Justice's custody, the Director of Juvenile Justice shall appoint members and a chairperson to a mortality review team. Provides for membership of the teams. Provides for a team's review of every death of a youth that occurs within a facility of the Department or as the result of an act or incident occurring within a facility of the Department, including as the result of suspected illness, injury, self-harm, or unknown cause. Provides for a team's recommendations to the Director of Juvenile Justice and for the Director's reply; also requires the Director to submit a report to the Executive Inspector General appointed by the Governor under the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. Provides that team meetings are not subject to the Open Meetings Act and that records and information provided to or maintained by a team are not subject to inspection and copying under the Freedom of Information Act. Provides for indemnification of team members. Effective immediately.