REP. KENNETH PASCHAL FILES BILL TO REVISE AND ADD OVERSIGHT TO DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES CENTRAL REGISTRY PROCESS

February 18, 2026 - MONTGOMERY, Ala. - State Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham) announced on Tuesday that has filed legislation to revise Alabama's child abuse and neglect central registry procedures, establish new due process protections, and require additional oversight and training within the Department of Human Resources.

Paschal said the proposal is intended to strengthen child protection efforts while ensuring investigations are handled consistently and in accordance with constitutional standards.

"Protecting children is our highest responsibility," Paschal said. "This legislation strengthens accountability, improves transparency and ensures actions taken by the state are supported by

credible evidence and fair process."

The measure aligns with priorities outlined by the Alabama Republican Party in its 2025 legislative agenda, including passage of the DHR Transparency and Integrity Act - ALGOP

Resolution 2025-1-3).

Under current practice, individuals can face professional and personal consequences based on preliminary findings in child abuse or neglect investigations. Placement on the state's Central Registry may affect employment, occupational licensing and custody proceedings, including in cases where allegations are later determined to be not indicated.

The bill would prohibit inclusion of not-indicated reports on the registry and require their removal. It would require that indicated findings be confirmed through an investigative hearing

or a voluntary waiver before being entered on the registry.

The legislation also would require DHR to provide notice to individuals under investigation, subject to limited child safety exceptions, and offer an opportunity for a hearing with defined

procedural protections. Those protections would include the right to counsel, the ability to review evidence, present witnesses and cross-examine witnesses before an impartial hearing officer.

In addition, the proposal would require DHR to establish a formal statewide training program for employees and investigators handling child abuse and neglect cases.

The bill would mandate that the agency submit an annual report to designated House and Senate committees detailing investigation outcomes and child placement data to provide lawmakers with additional oversight.

The measure also requires investigators to document credible evidence and consider family preservation factors before removing a child from a home. It would set corroboration standards

for the use of indicated reports in criminal warrant applications.

Paschal said the legislation does not reduce penalties for child abuse or limit the authority of DHR or law enforcement to intervene when children are at risk.

"This bill maintains strong protections for children while improving the integrity and transparency of the system," he said.