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Bill

Bill

LC 1830

Revise temporary investigative authority of department of health and human services in child abuse and neglect cases

2025 Regular Session

Changes DHHS's temporary investigative authority in child abuse/neglect cases, altering scope and duration to affect investigation timing and interagency oversight.

(LC) Draft Ready for Delivery
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Bill Summary · LC 1830

Summary: LC 1830 – Revise temporary investigative authority of Department of Health and Human Services in child abuse and neglect cases

Overview

  • Bill Number: LC 1830
  • Title: Revise temporary investigative authority of department of health and human services in child abuse and neglect cases
  • Status: Draft Ready for Delivery (LC)
  • Introduced: November 22, 2024
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subjects: Courts (Judges and Justices; Juries and Jurors), Minors (Family Law)

The bill aims to modify how the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) may conduct temporary investigations in child abuse and neglect (C&A) cases. The exact substantive provisions are not included in the information provided, but the title indicates a reform of the scope, procedures, or limits on the department’s temporary investigative authority in these cases.

Key Provisions (as indicated by the title)

  • The bill would revise the scope and/or duration of DHHS’s authority to conduct temporary investigations in C&A cases.
  • It is likely to address procedural elements related to initiating temporary investigations, the length of time such investigations may proceed, and the role of other entities (e.g., courts, law enforcement) in the process.
  • Possible areas of change may include notification requirements, oversight and review mechanisms, and due process protections for families and children.
  • The bill could also affect confidentiality, data handling, and interagency cooperation during temporary investigations.

Note: The exact text and detailed provisions are not provided here. The above reflects what typically accompanies a revision of temporary investigative authority based on the bill’s title.

Potential Impact

  • On DHHS and staff: Potential changes to training, protocols, and decision-making authority during temporary investigations; possible new oversight or reporting requirements.
  • On families and children: Impacts on how quickly protective actions can be initiated, the balance between child safety and parental rights, and the procedural safeguards available during investigations.
  • On courts and law enforcement: Possible changes to coordination, timelines, and input from judicial oversight or review processes in C&A cases.
  • On the child welfare system overall: Could influence Efficiency, consistency of temporary removals or investigations, and interagency collaboration.

Affected Parties

  • Department of Health and Human Services and its child welfare offices
  • Local or county child protective services divisions
  • Families and children involved in C&A investigations
  • Courts, judges, prosecutors, and defense or guardian ad litem representatives
  • Law enforcement partners and child advocacy organizations

Legislative Timeline (Selected Actions)

  • 2024-11-22: Drafter Assigned (Introduced date)
  • 2024-12-03: Draft On Hold
  • 2024-12-05: Draft Taken Off Hold
  • 2025-01-22 to 2025-01-25: Sequence of drafting and review stages, including:
    • Draft in Legal Review
    • Draft in Assembly
    • Draft in Input/Proofing
    • Draft in Final Drafter Review
    • Draft Edit
    • Draft Ready for Delivery

As of the latest update, the bill is in the final stages of drafting and preparation for delivery.

Next Steps for Readers

  • Monitor the bill text once released to review the exact changes to DHHS’s temporary investigative authority.
  • Watch for committee hearings or amendments that clarify:
    • When temporary investigations may be authorized
    • Duration and renewal processes
    • Safeguards for families and due process
    • Interagency coordination and reporting requirements
  • Consider how the changes would affect timelines, court involvement, and child safety outcomes.

If you’d like, I can add a section with a comparison to current law (once the actual statutory language is available) or a glossary of terms related to C&A investigations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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