HB1442
To Transfer The Child Abuse Hotline And All Civil Child Maltreatment Investigations From The Department Of Public Safety To The Department Of Human Services; And To Declare An Emergency.
Last Action (Feb. 15, 2023): WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1442 mandates the transfer of the administration of the Child Abuse Hotline and all civil child maltreatment investigations from the Division of Arkansas State Police to the Department of Human Services (DHS). The bill abolishes the Crimes Against Children Division within the Arkansas State Police. The transition is scheduled to occur in phases: the hotline transfer between July and December 2023, and the transfer of civil investigation duties between July and December 2025. The legislation declares that civil child maltreatment investigations should be conducted separately from criminal investigations to improve service delivery and professional focus. It includes provisions for transferring personnel, records, property, and funding between the departments. Finally, the bill includes an emergency clause to allow for the immediate commencement of the transition planning process.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries include children and families who may receive more specialized, service-oriented care from the Department of Human Services, which is tasked with the broader mission of family welfare. Additionally, the Department of Human Services benefits from consolidated authority over child maltreatment cases, potentially streamlining internal processes, while the Arkansas State Police may benefit by being relieved of civil investigation duties, allowing them to focus more exclusively on criminal enforcement.
Who Might Suffer?
Staff and personnel currently employed within the Crimes Against Children Division of the Arkansas State Police may be negatively impacted, as the bill requires them to undergo transitions and potentially meet new departmental employment standards or face personnel restructuring. Additionally, there is a risk that the transitional phase, which spans several years, could lead to temporary administrative friction, communication gaps, or service disruptions if the transfer of records and protocols is not managed efficiently between the two large state agencies.
Get Notified
Receive an email when this bill's status changes.