SB 851
Creating Child Protection Investigations Reform Act
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, the Child Protection Investigations Reform Act, aims to improve how the Department of Human Services conducts investigations involving allegations of child abuse or neglect. It requires the department to provide a written and verbal summary of the investigation process, the person's rights, and the specific allegations against them to the individual being investigated. The notification must be provided in a language the person understands and includes information about legal counsel, review of records, and the right to refuse searches or examinations. The law applies to investigations initiated on or after July 1, 2025.
Key provisions
- Requires the Department of Human Services to provide a written and verbal summary to individuals under investigation.
- The summary must be in a language the person understands.
- The summary must detail the investigation process and the person's rights.
- Individuals have the right to legal counsel, review records (with exceptions), and refuse searches.
- The Fourth Amendment rights of the person are protected during the investigation.
- The department must use a specific form to verify notification.
- The law applies to investigations starting July 1, 2025.
- Existing investigations are governed by the law in effect at the time the report was made.
Who is affected
- Parents and other legal guardians of children
- Individuals accused of child abuse or neglect
- The Department of Human Services
- Children involved in child protection investigations
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours