B 26-0409 Legislature · 26th Council Period (2025-2026)

Empowering Parents in CFSA Investigations Amendment Act of 2025

This bill requires the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) to inform parents or guardians at the start of a child welfare investigation about three specific resources: legal assistance options, the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children (for filing complaints), and their right to legal counsel during key parts of the process. It directly affects parents or caregivers whose children are under investigation by CFSA. The key change is mandating written notification and verbal explanation during the initial interview, ensuring families understand available support and rights. This amendment updates the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Act to improve transparency in investigations. The bill does not alter investigation procedures or standards, only requiring CFSA to provide these specific informational resources upfront.
Bill status signed all 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Oct 2025
Committee Review
Jan 2026
Council Passage
Mar 2026
Signed into Law
Jun 2026
Introduced Oct 6, 2025 Signed Jun 26, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Engrossment → Enrollment · 3 edits
MINOR
The bill was finalized for signature (Enrollment) after being in its draft stage (Engrossment). The core policy requirements remain the same, mandating that the Child and Family Services Agency inform parents of their legal rights and resources at the start of an investigation. However, the text was cleaned up to remove redundant headers and update the bill's citation year from 2025 to 2026.
Scope change
The scope of the law itself did not change; the amendment to the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Act remains identical in substance.
TECHNICAL

The bill citation year was updated from 2025 to 2026 to reflect the current legislative session.

Redundant headers such as 'ENGROSSED ORIGINAL' were removed, and the document was re-titled 'ENROLLED ORIGINAL' to indicate final approval.

Minor formatting adjustments were made to the text of the amendment, including consolidating the description of legal resources and updating the citation for the Ombudsperson Act.

Floor votes · Council Mar 31, 2026

How they voted

13–0
Passed
Total votes 13
Mar 31, 2026
D Democratic11
11 Yea
100% Yea
I Independent2
2 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
16
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Mar 31, 2026
Council · Passed
Council Vote: pass (13-0)
council
Jan 27, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Committee Mark-up of B26-0409 by the Youth Affairs Committee
legislature
Oct 7, 2025
Committee
Referred to Committee on Youth Affairs
legislature
Oct 6, 2025
Introduced
B26-0409 Introduced by Councilmember Parker at Office of the Secretary
legislature
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Zachary Parker
Zachary Parker
DDemocratic
DC
Ward 5