Committee forwards HB242 to expand child welfare data access for research and evaluation

The Senate Standing Committee on Families and Children gave House Bill 242 a favorable recommendation by voice vote after Representative Samara Heffern, co‑chair of the joint committee from the House, described the measure as intended to improve transparency and research access to Kentucky child welfare data while balancing privacy protections.

Rep. Samara Heffern introduced HB242 and said the bill “creates an opportunity to ensure more transparency and information is available as we push to improve the child welfare system,” adding that the aim is to enable researchers and decision‑makers to evaluate outcomes and best practices for vulnerable children. Heffern, who represents the 18th District, said the bill is intended to increase access to “critical information for decision makers and child‑welfare stakeholders.”

Committee members did not pose substantive questions on the bill during the hearing. Senator Tichenor moved the motion to report the bill favorably; Senator Mills seconded. The committee recorded a vote of 9‑0 in favor.

Chair Carroll said the bill “should pass on the Senate floor.” HB242 will next be scheduled for floor consideration; the bill’s language seeks to expand authorized research access while preserving privacy protections, according to the sponsor’s statement to the committee.