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HB4059Introduced in the House

Relating to child abuse; declaring an emergency.

Failed

What does this bill do?

Plain-English breakdown

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Official description

The Act changes what "abuse" means when talking about hurting a child. It says that DHS can only look into some reports of child abuse. It also makes a rule for how certain reports of child abuse are resolved. It is an emergency law and starts right away. (Flesch Readability Score: 76.5). [Digest: The Act changes what "threatened harm" means when talking about hurting a child. It says that DHS can only look into some reports of child abuse. It also makes a rule for how certain reports of child abuse are resolved. It is an emergency law and starts right away. (Flesch Readability Score: 78.7).] Modifies the definition of ["threatened harm"] "abuse" for purposes of determining whether a child has been abused. Limits the investigative jurisdiction of the Department of Human Services to investigate certain reports of child abuse. Prohibits making findings in abuse investigations where the alleged perpetrator was a minor at the time of the alleged abuse. Creates exceptions. [Creates a statutory substantiation standard for certain reports of alleged child abuse.] Increases the standard of proof necessary for reporting certain abuse investigation findings to the central state registry. Directs the department to monitor implementation of new child abuse investigation processes and report back to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly relating to human services. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Where it stands

In committee upon adjournment.

March 6, 2026

How did lawmakers vote?

HouseStage: House Committee Do pass with amendments and be referred to Rules. (Printed A-Eng.) · February 12, 2026

7

Yes

0

No

0

Absent or Not Voting

7 representatives recorded in this House vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.

What do people think?

Citizen Voice

How would you vote on this bill?

An unofficial public opinion poll. It does not affect the bill or the official vote.

One response per device. Location is self-reported and not verified. Results are informal and not a scientific survey.

See how each representative voted

RepresentativeDistrictVote
Dwayne Yunker3Yes
Anna Scharf23Yes
Jules Walters37Yes
Annessa Hartman40Yes
Lamar Wise48Yes
Ricki Ruiz50Yes
Emily McIntire56Yes

Bill history

  1. First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.

  2. Referred to Early Childhood and Human Services.

  3. Public Hearing held.

  4. Public Hearing held.

  5. Work Session held.

  6. Recommendation: Do pass with amendments, be printed A-Engrossed, and be referred to Rules.

  7. Referred to Rules by order of Speaker.

  8. In committee upon adjournment.

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