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West VirginiaSB 2282026 Regular SessionSenate

Relating to use of technology in child abuse and neglect investigations

Sponsored By: Vince Deeds (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§49-2-131§49-2-815

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Caseworker aides pilot to help families

Within 90 days of this section’s effective date, the department starts a pilot that hires private providers to supply caseworker aides using a technology platform. Aides must meet the same education, training, and background checks as state caseworkers. The department keeps full control over case decisions and policies. The pilot runs in districts covering no more than three counties, chosen for high need (high caseloads, persistent vacancies, or many out‑of‑state placements). It lasts 15 months after the contract is signed: three months for onboarding, then 12 months of operations. Before it ends, the department reports results and costs to the Joint Committee on Health and may continue or expand the program statewide if outcomes improve.

Mobile devices for child abuse investigations

Beginning October 1, 2027, the department runs a pilot in two counties that requires mobile devices during child abuse and neglect investigations. The department chooses the counties. Devices must create a real‑time digital record, upload data securely each day, and work with department systems. Staff must use the device in at least 70% of cases in the pilot counties. The secretary reviews quality metrics every month. The department files annual updates starting July 1, 2028. The pilot ends five years after the department fully implements it in the two counties.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Vince Deeds

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Trenton Barnhart

    Republican • Senate

  • Mike Oliverio

    Republican • Senate

  • Chris Phillips

    Republican • House

  • Mike Woelfel

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 163 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/14/2026

Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 654)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 3/13/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 519)

Yes: 96 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/19/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 145)

Yes: 33 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026Senate

  2. To Governor 3/18/2026

    3/18/2026Senate

  3. House Message received

    3/14/2026Senate

  4. Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 654)

    3/14/2026Senate

  5. Communicated to House

    3/14/2026Senate

  6. Completed legislative action

    3/14/2026Senate

  7. To Governor 3/18/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  8. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  9. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - House Journal

    3/14/2026House

  10. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    3/13/2026House

  11. Read 3rd time

    3/13/2026House

  12. Passed House (Roll No. 519)

    3/13/2026House

  13. Title amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/13/2026House

  14. Communicated to Senate

    3/13/2026House

  15. On 2nd reading, Special Calendar

    3/12/2026House

  16. Read 2nd time

    3/12/2026House

  17. Amendment reported by the Clerk

    3/12/2026House

  18. Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/12/2026House

  19. With amendment, do pass

    3/11/2026House

  20. Immediate consideration

    3/11/2026House

  21. Read 1st time

    3/11/2026House

  22. With amendment, do pass, but first to Finance

    3/5/2026House

  23. To House Finance

    3/5/2026House

  24. Markup Discussion

    2/24/2026House

  25. House received Senate message

    2/20/2026House

Bill Text

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