Senate Judiciary Reviews Bills on Social Services Oversight, Policy Manual, and Financial Exploitation

Charleston, WV- The Senate Judiciary Committee spent Thursday afternoon reviewing several bills affecting West Virginia’s social services system, the Department of Health, and protections for older adults.
Senate Bill 210 would require the Department of Health, Human Services, Health Facilities, and the Office of the Inspector General to submit detailed plans and performance reports to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability. During discussion, Human Services Secretary Alex Mayer raised concerns about the bill, saying it could require additional staff and that many of the reporting requirements already exist. Senator Eric Tarr argued the bill is meant to reorganize and streamline reports, not expand staffing. The committee advanced the bill to the full Senate with a recommendation for passage.
Senate Bill 543 would require the Bureau of Social Services to file its entire policy manual as a legislative rule. The manual covers child protective services, foster care, youth services, licensing, and casework standards. Supporters said submitting the manual to the Legislature would increase transparency and allow for public comment. The committee delayed action on the bill until Monday.
The committee also advanced Senate Bill 617, which would allow banks to delay or block certain financial transactions when they suspect an elder or incapacitated adult is being exploited. A representative from AARP told lawmakers that more than 140,000 exploitation complaints were filed by West Virginians over age 60, a sharp increase from 2023. An amendment to restore immunity protections for financial institutions failed. The bill now heads to the Finance Committee before moving to the full Senate.