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District attorney warns House bill on child-welfare definitions could hamper abuse investigations
Summary
County staff relayed concerns raised by District Attorney Mark Bennett about House Bill 2175, which Bennett told staff appears to limit child-protection investigations and could protect abusers; the county was advised to monitor the bill and to engage with the local legislative delegation if the bill advances.
County staff told the commission that District Attorney Mark Bennett has raised "grave concerns" about House Bill 2175 and shared Bennett's testimony with the county manager and chairman.
"He said it appears that this bill is intended to protect parents of children about whom a child-in-need-of-care investigation has been undertaken. The bill would instead protect abusers and undermine the ability of law enforcement to protect abused children," staff summarized, citing Bennett's written testimony.
Staff said they had discussed the timing for submitting additional testimony and were advised by counsel that, if the county wanted to pursue comments, direct contact with committee members could be appropriate. Staff indicated they did not believe the county needed to take immediate action but would engage the local delegation and other stakeholders if the bill passed committee.
The commission received the update for situational awareness; no formal motion or vote was recorded.
