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Bill limits abuse investigations from calls

Posted at 6:53 PM, Feb 24, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-24 20:53:40-05
The House has passed a bill that would cut the number of child abuse hotline calls that require full investigations to focus child safety workers on cases that actually involve abuse and neglect.
 
Republican Rep. Kate Brophy McGee says the change will cull out calls that are impossible to investigate and clog the already overburdened system.
 
Opponents say not investigating hotline calls is what led to the overhaul of the state child welfare office just two years ago.
 
The  House passed House Bill 2522 on a 49-10 vote Wednesday afternoon. It now moves to the Senate.
 
Democratic Rep. Rebecca Rios says the measure could create a chilling effect that may lead people to stop calling in cases of abuse and neglect.