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Bill > HB1366
VA HB1366
VA HB1366Local boards & departments; DSS to create corrective action plans & assumption of temporary control.
summary
Introduced
01/20/2026
01/20/2026
In Committee
03/06/2026
03/06/2026
Crossed Over
03/13/2026
03/13/2026
Passed
04/13/2026
04/13/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/13/2026
04/13/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Department of Social Services; corrective action plans and assumption of temporary control of local boards and local departments. Grants the Commissioner of Social Services the authority to create and enforce a corrective action plan for any local board of social services or local department of social services that (i) fails to administer public assistance and social services programs in accordance with applicable laws and regulations or (ii) takes any action or fails to act in a manner that poses a substantial risk to the health, safety, or well-being of a child or adult. The bill permits similar authority for any local board of social services that (a) fails to provide child welfare services in accordance with applicable law or regulations or (b) takes any action or fails to act in a manner that poses a substantial risk to the health, safety, or well-being of a child. Under the bill, if a local board or department fails to comply with a corrective action plan, the Commissioner has the authority to temporarily assume control of all or part of the local board's operations. The bill also provides that, when a local board of social services or local department of social services requests assistance, the Commissioner has the authority to utilize staff of the Department of Social Services or contract with private entities to provide public assistance and social services programs in the locality served by the local board or department. The bill also adds adult services to the definition of "social services" for purposes of Title 63.2 (Welfare (Social Services)).
AI Summary
This bill grants the Commissioner of Social Services enhanced authority to intervene when local social services departments fail to meet their obligations. Specifically, the Commissioner can create and enforce corrective action plans for local boards or departments that mismanage public assistance or social services programs, or if their actions or inactions pose a significant risk to the health, safety, or well-being of children or adults. This authority extends to child welfare services as well. If a local entity fails to comply with a corrective action plan, the Commissioner can temporarily take over all or part of its operations, potentially using Department staff or private contractors to ensure services are delivered. The bill also clarifies that "social services" now explicitly includes adult services, and allows the Commissioner to provide assistance to local departments upon request, including utilizing state staff or private entities.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Justice
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Approved by Governor-Chapter 835 (effective 7/1/2026) (on 04/13/2026)
Official Document
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