AN ACT to create a task force to study adverse childhood experiences.

Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have a tremendous impact on future violence victimization and perpetuation and lifelong health and opportunities; and

Whereas, by studying the features that put children at risk of ACEs and the long‑term impacts across a variety of policy areas, North Carolina can begin to move towards a system that adequately meets the needs of young people and diverts young people from the justice system and towards supportive and rehabilitative services; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.(a)  There is created the Task Force to Study Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs Task Force).

SECTION 1.(b)  The ACEs Task Force shall consist of 19 members as follows:

(1)        The Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

(2)        The Deputy Secretary for Human Services, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

(3)        The Deputy Superintendent for Equity and Innovation, Department of Public Instruction.

(4)        The Director of the Division of Exceptional Children, Department of Public Instruction.

(5)        The Director of the Division of Student Safety, Health, and Well‑Being, Department of Public Instruction.

(6)        The Chief Deputy Secretary for the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, Department of Public Safety.

(7)        The Deputy Secretary of the Juvenile Justice Section of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, Department of Public Safety.

(8)        The Director of the Section on Juvenile Justice Clinical Services and Programs, Department of Public Safety.

(9)        Two pediatricians, appointed by the North Carolina Pediatric Society.

(10)      Two child psychologists, appointed by the North Carolina Psychology Association.

(11)      Two county social services directors appointed by the Governor.

(12)      Two county commissioners, one appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and one appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(13)      Three members of local boards of education, one appointed by the Governor, one appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and one appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

SECTION 1.(c)  The Governor shall appoint the chair of the ACEs Task Force. The Task Force shall meet at the call of the chair. A majority of the ACEs Task Force shall constitute a quorum. The ACEs Task Force shall be administratively housed in the Department of Health and Human Services, which shall provide meeting space and administrative and professional staff to the ACEs Task Force as needed. The members of the ACEs Task Force shall receive travel and per diem as provided in G.S. 138‑5 and G.S. 138‑6, as applicable. The appointing authority shall fill any vacancies.

SECTION 1.(d)  The ACEs Task Force shall study the extent, nature, and impact of adverse childhood experiences with particular regard to North Carolina and make recommendations to address these impacts through State and local government with a particular focus on diversion from the criminal justice system.

SECTION 1.(e)  The ACEs Task Force shall report its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Joint Legislative Committee on Justice and Public Safety, the Joint Legislative Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee by December 31, 2022.

SECTION 1.(f)  The Task Force shall terminate upon the filing of the report required in subsection (e) of this section or December 31, 2022, whichever is later.

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.