Social workers on the front lines of the fight against child abuse and neglect could be getting some help from the Legislature next year.

A proposal endorsed Monday by an interim panel of lawmakers would include Child Protective Service workers in the same category as law enforcement and others with dangerous jobs.

People who threaten or harm CPS workers would face stiffer sentences under the proposal. A second proposal would protect CPS workers from liability for actions conducted in their official capacities.

But while lawmakers are discussing pay raises for these workers, they're not planning any pay hikes.

Instead, Monday's panel called on Governor Joe Manchin to propose a competitive salary scale for CPS workers.