The proposed bill aims to establish a pilot program in West Virginia for the use of mobile devices in child abuse and neglect investigations, specifically under a new section designated as 49-2-815. Set to begin on October 1, 2026, the program will require child protective service workers in two selected counties to utilize mobile devices, such as computers or tablets, to access the department's case management system. This initiative is designed to enable workers to conduct investigations in real-time, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the child welfare system.

The bill outlines specific requirements for the mobile devices, including a customized operating system for child welfare casework, the ability to create contemporaneous digital records, and secure daily uploads to the department's server. Additionally, the program mandates that the mobile devices be used in at least 70 percent of cases in the pilot counties. The pilot program will last for five years, with the department required to file annual reports starting July 1, 2027, to update the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability regarding the program's status and the metrics associated with the technology's use.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-2-815
Committee Substitute: 49-2-815