Senator from Taylor urges CPS oversight after 11‑year‑old’s death, says DHS opened internal probe

Senator from Taylor used an extended floor statement on Jan. 27 to press for legislative oversight of child protective services following the death of 11‑year‑old Muneanna Moran of Taylor County. The senator said public reporting shows an accused custodian has been indicted on charges including murder by a parent, guardian or custodian and child neglect resulting in death, and said a criminal case will follow in court.

"She is not a statistic. She's not a case file," the senator said, identifying the child by name and urging the chamber to consider how the state responded. The senator said the Department of Human Services has opened an internal investigation into CPS involvement in the case.

He described a history of systemic problems, saying earlier in his service the state had untested forensic kits and inadequate support for victims and that legislation the Senate has passed in recent years has begun to address those failings. He urged colleagues to pursue "documentation and accountability when decisions are made not to act" and said additional legislation is being prepared to address gaps in oversight.

The chamber observed a moment of silence for the child following the remarks. Senator from Lewis asked that the remarks be printed in the Senate journal; the chair ordered it.

No formal motion or vote on new legislation was recorded on the floor that day; the senator described bills being prepared and urged the body to consider measures including expanded use of DNA evidence, but did not state bill numbers on the floor. The Department of Human Services investigation was described on the floor as "opened" by the senator; no department representative spoke on the Senate floor during these remarks.

What happens next: the senator said legislation will be dropped (filed) to address oversight; any formal bills or committee actions will appear in future session dockets.