For Bill Information, please click HERE.   Official Text and Analysis.

Requires the Department of Early Learning (DEL) to convene a child fatality review committee to conduct child fatality reviews when a child fatality, or in some cases near fatality, occurs in an early learning program or a licensed child care facility. Requires the DEL to issue a report on the results of the review to the Legislature, and post the report to a public web site where all child fatality review committee reports must be posted and maintained.The substitute bill requires the child fatality review committee to coordinate with local law enforcement to ensure that the fatality review does not interfere with any ongoing or potential criminal investigation. During the review, the DEL must allow testimony before the committee by parents or guardians whose child's death is being reviewed. The substitute bill grants authority to the OFCO to access the DEL records that the OFCO considers necessary for the purposes of determining if a review shall be conducted in the case of a near child fatality. Additionally, a definition for near fatality is provided.

Requires the Department of Early Learning (DEL) toinclude the following individuals in the membership of the childfatality review committee: A law enforcement officer; A representative from a county or state health department; and A child advocate. Requires the DEL to invite one parent or guardian who has had achild die in a child care setting to be a member on the childfatality review committee.

Adds an additional purpose of the fatality review to ensure the Department of Early Learning is held accountable for child safety violations.

Clarifies that nothing in this act creates a duty for OFCO to respond to complaints regarding children in the care of an early learning program, a licensed child care center, or a licensed child care home.