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WV SB540

Bill

Status

Engrossed

3/4/2026

Primary Sponsor

Vince Deeds

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Requires Child Protective Services workers to use body-worn cameras while investigating all reports of child abuse or neglect in West Virginia
  • Workers must obtain consent from the person being investigated to use cameras in private areas where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists
  • Workers may refrain from using cameras if it would compromise the child's privacy or impede the investigation, but must document the specific factual basis for not using the camera in the case file
  • All audio and video recordings must be preserved until all appellate timeframes have been exhausted
  • Recordings are classified as confidential child welfare records and exempt from public disclosure under the state's Freedom of Information Act

Legislative Description

Relating to audio recording during CPS investigation

Juveniles

Last Action

To House Judiciary

3/5/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary3/5/2026
Finance2/24/2026
Judiciary1/20/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available