Panel approves measure letting bureau reassign child‑protective workers to meet need
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Summary
A strike‑and‑insert to House Bill 4022 would let the Bureau for Social Services reassign child‑protective services positions across regions, allow staff to cover adjacent counties without relocation, and require an annual report to the Legislative Auditor; committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill to the full Senate.
The Senate Judiciary Committee adopted a strike‑and‑insert amendment to House Bill 4022 that would give the Bureau for Social Services greater flexibility to assign child‑protective services (CPS) workers where caseloads and referrals indicate the need, counsel said.
Under current law, positions were locked to county allocations based on population and referrals as of Jan. 1, 2023. The amendment would permit the Bureau to use vacant positions to address emergent needs or assign CPS workers who can reasonably cover adjacent counties while remaining in their home location. Counsel emphasized the amendment would not require employees to relocate but would allow regional coverage and cross‑county assignments. The Bureau would also be required to report annually to the Legislative Auditor on position allocations and any changes made under the bill.
Committee members took no amendments and voted to report the amended bill to the full Senate with a recommendation that it pass.
