Panel clears bill to let child‑welfare investigators obtain school records in active probes, DCS signs in neutral
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Summary
The committee gave Senate Bill 11‑26 a due pass recommendation (10 ayes, 0 noes, 2 present). DCS told the committee the measure aims to reduce delays in investigations by clarifying that schools may provide requested records to DCS caseworkers consistent with FERPA.
The Arizona Committee on Education approved Senate Bill 11‑26 with a due pass recommendation after Department of Child Safety (DCS) staff described the bill as clarifying and streamlining information sharing during active child abuse or neglect investigations.
Legislative staff summarized SB 11‑26 as requiring schools, subject to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), to identify any school that has requested a pupil’s records or that has withdrawn a pupil, to provide requested records to DCS caseworkers, and to make clear that school employees, contractors or volunteers may speak directly to DCS investigators in the course of an active investigation. "This bill would allow the Department of Child Safety to obtain certain school information during active child abuse or neglect investigations and would also clarify the communication between school personnel and investigators," said Selena Moreno, chief legislative liaison for DCS, which signed in neutral.
Representatives asked DCS why withdrawn records matter; Moreno explained records can help investigators locate a child or determine which school currently has requested educational files. Committee members also discussed FERPA thresholds and whether existing district policies delayed timely information sharing; DCS said counsel had reviewed FERPA and that the bill’s intent is to reduce inconsistent practices that can impede investigations.
After members discussed implementation details and oversight, the committee recorded a due pass recommendation for SB 11‑26 by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 2 present. DCS staff said the agency can implement the bill’s information‑sharing provisions but would need to update internal procedures and training as necessary if the bill advances.
The committee did not attach a fiscal note during the hearing; proponents said the bill’s principal purpose is procedural: to clarify communications and ensure prompt access to records in active investigations.
