SB 404
Relating to Department of Human Services authority to contract with certain providers
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill allows the West Virginia Department of Human Services to contract with both secular and faith-based organizations to provide child welfare services. It ensures that faith-based organizations can maintain their religious identity while partnering with the state, and it grants parents or legal guardians the right to object to placement in a faith-based organization based on religious grounds. If an objection is made, the department must find an alternative placement unless a court order dictates otherwise.
Key provisions
- Authorizes the Secretary of Human Services to contract with both secular and faith-based child welfare providers.
- Faith-based organizations can contract without altering their religious character.
- Faith-based organizations retain independence from government control over their religious beliefs.
- Departments cannot require faith-based organizations to remove religious symbols.
- Parents or legal guardians can object to placement in a faith-based organization for religious expression reasons.
- The department must find an alternative placement if an objection is made, unless a court order exists.
- A hearing will be held if the child or a legal guardian wishes to remain in a faith-based placement.
Who is affected
- West Virginia Department of Human Services
- Child welfare providers (secular and faith-based)
- Parents and legal guardians of children in the child welfare system
- Faith-based organizations
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Smith (Mr. President)
Cosponsor
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