SB 972
Relating to education placements during child abuse and neglect investigations
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
Senate Bill 972, known as Raylee’s Law, aims to protect children involved in child abuse and neglect investigations by temporarily restricting the ability of the alleged perpetrator (custodial parent or guardian) to withdraw a child from school or provide home instruction during an active investigation. This law ensures the child’s continued access to education and safety while the investigation is ongoing, and does not limit a court’s ability to order alternative educational placements if needed. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to notify the child’s school and custodial parent or guardian of the investigation.
Key provisions
- Temporarily prohibits the alleged perpetrator from withdrawing a child from school or providing home instruction during a child abuse or neglect investigation.
- The restriction applies only during the pendency of the investigation.
- The restriction ends when the investigation is determined to be unfounded or closed.
- A court can still order alternative educational placements if necessary to protect the child’s best interests.
- Requires the Department of Human Services to notify the child’s school and custodial parent or guardian of the investigation.
- Establishes ‘Raylee’s Law’ to provide these protections.
- Does not create a presumption of guilt.
- Does not permanently restrict home instruction.
Who is affected
- Children involved in child abuse and neglect investigations
- Custodial parents or guardians of children involved in investigations
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