Bill > SB417

This bill creates a comprehensive central registry of substantiated reports of adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation to be maintained by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services. The bill establishes a detailed framework for investigating reports of adult abuse, including requirements for local departments of social services to conduct thorough investigations within specific timeframes. The central registry will be publicly searchable, allowing individuals to search for substantiated reports using a person's first and last name and last four digits of their social security number or birth date. The bill introduces a new appeals process for individuals found to have committed abuse, allowing them to request amendments to investigation records and seek administrative review. Investigations must determine the immediate safety needs of the alleged victim, assess risk of future harm, and make a determination of whether the report is substantiated or unfounded within 45 days (with possible extensions). The bill also provides protections for individuals accused of abuse, including confidentiality provisions and mechanisms to challenge unfounded reports. Importantly, the bill mandates cooperation from law enforcement and other state agencies in adult protective services investigations and establishes specific protocols for maintaining and accessing investigation records. The new provisions will take effect on July 1, 2026, giving state agencies time to prepare for implementation.

Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?251+sum+SB417