Kenneth Paschal Files DHR Registry Reform Bill
Rep. Paschal’s legislation HB464 adds due process, oversight, and training to Alabama’s child abuse registry system
State Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham) has filed legislation to revise Alabama’s child abuse and neglect Central Registry process, adding new due process safeguards and oversight requirements within the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
Paschal said the bill, HB464, protects children and ensures investigations follow consistent standards and respect constitutional rights.
“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 proposal reflects priorities adopted by the Alabama Republican Party in its 2025 legislative agenda, including support for what party leaders have called the DHR Transparency and Integrity Act (ALGOP Resolution 2025-1-3, see THIS LINK, p.3).
Under current practice, individuals may face serious personal and professional harm based on preliminary findings in child abuse or neglect investigations. Placement on the state’s Central Registry can affect employment, professional licensing, and even custody proceedings. That impact may occur even in cases later deemed “not indicated.”
Paschal’s bill would bar the inclusion of “not indicated” reports on the registry and require their removal. For cases classified as “indicated,” the measure would require confirmation through an investigative hearing or a voluntary waiver before a name could be added.
The legislation would also require DHR to provide notice to individuals under investigation, except in limited child safety cases. Those individuals would be offered a hearing with defined protections, including the right to counsel, access to evidence, the ability to present witnesses, and the right to cross-examine witnesses before an impartial hearing officer.
In addition, the bill mandates the creation of a formal, statewide training program for DHR employees and investigators who handle child abuse and neglect cases.
To increase legislative oversight, the measure would require DHR to submit an annual report to designated House and Senate committees. The report would detail investigation outcomes and child placement data.
The bill further requires investigators to document credible evidence and consider family preservation factors before removing a child from a home. It also establishes corroboration standards for the use of indicated reports in criminal warrant applications.
Paschal emphasized that the legislation does not weaken child protection laws or limit the authority of DHR or law enforcement to act when children are in danger.
“This bill maintains strong protections for children while improving the integrity and transparency of the system,” he said.
The text of HB464 as filed may be found HERE.
