Children safer after CPS reform bills signed into law

State Capitol, Phoenix Four bills aimed at improving services provided by state child welfare agents and shining light on their activities will be come law. The bills, sponsored by Reps. Jonathan Paton, R-Tucson, and Kirk Adams, R-Mesa, came about after hearings last year into the death of Brandon Williams and Tyler and Ariana Payne despite Child Protective Services intervention. HB2454 open the records of children who have died or suffered serious injuries after contact with CPS. The law is aimed at providing a glimpse into the action CPS took in a case where death or serious injury occurred. HB2159 opens disciplinary records of state employees, a crucial step in the publics ability to hold the state accountable for its actions. Signed into law also were HB2453 and HB2455. I am grateful to all who helped us change the way CPS does business, Paton said. It saddens me that Tyler, Ariana and Brandon had to die for this change to come about. Adams said CPS must now speedily implement the new reforms to better protect children. "This is the beginning not the end, Adams said. We must continue to provide CPS the tools it needs, and the public the transparency to hold CPS accountable." The new laws become effective 90 days after the end of session.