To require the Department of Human Services to provide child welfare workers with mobile technology that will permit them to conduct investigations and create a digital record.

HB 4545 requires West Virginia's Department of Human Services to provide child welfare workers in two pilot counties with mobile devices (like tablets) that enable real-time digital record-keeping during child abuse and neglect investigations. The devices must have a customized operating system for child welfare, automatically upload records daily to a secure server, and be used in at least 70% of cases, while integrating with existing department systems. The pilot program, starting October 1, 2027, runs for five years and mandates annual reports to the legislature on its progress and metrics. This bill directly affects child welfare workers in the selected counties and the Department of Human Services, replacing paper-based processes with standardized digital tools.