The Arizona House on Monday approved an external review of the failures of how Arizona has handled Child Protective Services.
SB 1386 sets aside $250,000 to hire an independent consultant with expertise in child welfare system planning and operations. The expert is required to report back by March.
The move comes as Gov. Jan Brewer is trying to split Child Protective Services from the state Department of Economic Security.
She wants a new freestanding agency headed by someone who reports directly to the governor. She intends to call legislators into special session to do just that, once a special committee studying the issue releases its report, perhaps as early as next month.
Senate President Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert, has said his legislation is not intended to stall that move.