summary
Introduced
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
In Committee
02/17/2026
02/17/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Department of Human Services Act. In the definition of "material obstruction of an investigation", defines the term to mean the intentional failure to timely report an allegation to the hotline or the interference (rather than purposeful interference) with an investigation of physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation for the purpose of obstructing an Office of the Inspector General investigation. Provides that such material obstruction may include, but is not limited to, delaying or withholding reports of allegations to the hotline for the purpose of obstructing an Office of the Inspector General investigation; the withholding or altering of documentation or recorded evidence when reporting an allegation to the hotline or during an investigation; influencing, threatening, or impeding a victim's, complainant's, or required reporter's report of an allegation to the hotline or witness testimony during an investigation; or presenting untruthful information to the hotline or during an investigatory interview. Provides that any employee who fails to cooperate with an Office of the Inspector General investigation may also result in a finding of material obstruction of an investigation. Expands the list of employee conduct during an investigation that is in violation of the Act, including the failure to timely report an incident of abuse or material obstruction of an investigation committed by another employee. Makes changes to the definition of "presenting untruthful information".
AI Summary
This bill amends the Department of Human Services Act to clarify and expand the definition of "material obstruction of an investigation," which refers to actions that hinder an investigation by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), an office responsible for investigating abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of individuals receiving services from the Department of Human Services. Specifically, the bill now defines material obstruction as intentionally failing to report an allegation to the OIG's hotline in a timely manner or interfering with an investigation for the purpose of obstructing it. This interference can include delaying or withholding reports, altering evidence, influencing or threatening victims or witnesses, presenting untruthful information, or failing to cooperate with an OIG investigation. The bill also explicitly states that any employee who fails to cooperate with an OIG investigation may be found to have committed material obstruction, and it broadens the scope of employee conduct that violates the Act, including failing to report abuse or obstruction by another employee.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
House Human Services Committee Hearing (08:00:00 2/25/2026 Room C-1 Stratton Building) (on 02/25/2026)
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