State Rep. Stetson Painter says lawmakers are working on a package of legislation aimed at preventing issues like those seen in Baxter and Marion counties involving the Department of Human Services.
KTLO, Classic Hits and the Boot News spoke with Painter, who says the goal is to strengthen child welfare laws and ensure similar situations do not happen again.
Painter noted some previously discussed legislation failed during the last session, in part because of concerns over changes to key definitions, including child abandonment, and shortened timelines that some felt weakened protections.
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He says the current effort will focus on restoring those protections while going further to improve the system.
Painter also says lawmakers are working to provide additional resources to the Division of Children and Family Services, though discussions are ongoing about how that funding will be used.
He encouraged residents to continue reaching out with concerns about state agencies, saying feedback from constituents plays an important role during the legislative process.
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