2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26102849D

HOUSE BILL NO. 651

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 13, 2026

A BILL to direct the Department of Social Services to amend its regulations to require face-to-face interviews with victim children younger than three years of age within 24 hours of receiving a report.

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Patron—Kent

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Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. § 1. That the Department of Social Services shall amend its regulations to require that face-to-face interviews with victim children under three years of age conducted as part of a family assessment occur within 24 hours of receipt of the report that triggers such family assessment. The Board's initial adoption of regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this act shall be exempt from the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia), except that the Board shall provide an opportunity for public comment on such regulations prior to adoption.