Investigative and enforcement proceedings; information provided to individuals or business entities. (HB1207)

Introduced By

Del. Steve Heretick (D-Portsmouth)

Description

Department of Social Services; investigative and enforcement proceedings; information provided to individuals or business entities who are the subject of a complaint involving abuse or neglect. Provides that persons who are the subject of a complaint involving abuse or neglect have a right to be provided with (i) unredacted copies of notes and reports relating to the investigation and the names of the reporter and collateral witnesses and (ii) all other information that the Department of Social Services (Department) or local department intends to rely upon, in whole or in part, in reaching a determination regarding the complaint. The Department or local department may withhold from disclosure (a) the reporter's name, (b) the identity of a collateral witness, (c) the identity of any other person providing information, or (d) any other information connected to the investigation only upon a specific determination that such disclosure would endanger the well-being of a child or the life or safety of the reporter or collateral witness. The bill provides that the decision to withhold the name, identity, or other information may be appealed to the circuit court with the local department having the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that the disclosure would endanger the well-being of a child or the life or safety of the reporter or collateral witness or any other person providing information. Read the Bill »

Outcome

History