Committee reviews bill to streamline statutes on temporary investigative authority in child-protective cases

Representative S.J. Howell opened the hearing on House Bill 77, saying the bill was developed by a multi-stakeholder CPS work group and is intended to clean up and harmonize statutes that govern investigations and court filings when child abuse or neglect is reported.

"When a report of abuse or neglect is made, it comes in through centralized intake. The department has 60 days of authority to investigate that report," Howell said, and added the bill aims to eliminate duplication between a 90-day temporary investigative authority filing and the umbrella emergency protective services (EPS) statute that already grants needed authority in court filings.

Proponents, including the Department of Child and Family Services, the Office of Public Defender, county attorneys and a legislative working-group chair, said the bill clarifies timing and reduces inconsistent…