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Human Services committee adopts emergency amendment to SB 138 to require DHS reporting website compliance
Summary
Committee adopted the -1 amendment adding an emergency clause to Senate Bill 138, which allows but does not require the Department of Human Services to create a website for reporting child abuse; the committee then voted to send the amended bill to the Senate floor with a due-pass recommendation.
The Senate Committee on Human Services on Feb. 4 adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 138 to add an emergency clause that makes the measure effective on passage. The bill allows—but does not require—the Department of Human Services (DHS) to create a website for reporting instances of child abuse. Committee discussion noted the change brings the department into compliance with existing law that had an earlier deadline.
Committee members explained the amendment replaces the originally-posted effective date of Jan. 1, 2026, with an emergency clause because statute previously required completion by Jan. 1 of an earlier year and DHS had not implemented it. Vice Chair Lythagam moved adoption of the dash-1 amendment; the chair asked for objections and, hearing none, ordered adoption.
After adopting the amendment, Senator Lythicam moved SB 138 as amended to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. The committee called the roll; Senators Nash, Granovsky, Reynolds, Vice Chair Lendykam and Chair Gelser Blueen recorded aye votes. Having received the required votes, the motion passed and Senator Nash agreed to be the bill carrier to the floor.
