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Bill > HB5189


WV HB5189

WV HB5189
Relating to the use of technology in child abuse and neglect investigations


summary

Introduced
02/04/2026
In Committee
02/04/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

The purpose of this bill is to require the Department of Human Services to provide child welfare workers with mobile technology that will permit them to conduct investigations and create a digital record. This will upload to the system automatically and reduce the need for a child protective services worker to input data manually into a system. This will enhance service delivery to children. This data will allow managers to have real time access to data to conduct quality improvement analysis.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a pilot program for the use of technology in child abuse and neglect investigations, requiring the Department of Human Services to provide child welfare workers in two designated counties with mobile devices, such as tablets or computers, starting October 1, 2027. These devices will allow workers to access the department's case management system and create digital records of investigations in real-time, meaning as the investigation is happening, rather than having to manually enter data later. The system will be customized for child welfare casework, automatically and securely upload data daily, and be compatible with existing department programs to allow for the extraction of quality metrics for analysis and systemic improvement. The program will run for five years, and the department will submit annual reports to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability detailing the program's progress and the use of the technology.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

To House Health and Human Resources (on 02/04/2026)

bill text


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