OFFICE OF CHILD ADVOCATE ACT

Added formal definitions for key terms including 'child in custody', 'committee', 'department', 'near fatality', and 'office' to clarify the bill's application.

Changed state child advocate appointment requirements to require six years of experience (from five), and added requirement for attorney, psychologist, or social worker licensure.

Reduced state child advocate selection committee from nine to seven members, changing appointment sources and removing the attorney general from the committee.

Established committee duties including soliciting applications, evaluating candidates, and submitting majority recommendations to the governor within 90 days of vacancy.

Extended state child advocate term from one year to six years, with initial term ending December 31, 2031, and reappointment allowed for two successive terms.

Added specific grounds for removal of state child advocate: malfeasance, misfeasance, or abuse of office, with oversight by the attorney general.

Changed office administrative attachment from state department of justice to attorney general, while maintaining budget autonomy for the office.