The bill amends Sections 26-15-2 and 26-15-3 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to further define the crime of child abuse by including the term "willful mistreatment." Specifically, the bill introduces new legal language that defines "mistreat" as any intentional behavior that inflicts unnecessary or unjustifiable pain or suffering on a child without causing physical injury. Additionally, the term "willfully mistreat" is added to the list of actions that constitute child abuse, which previously included torture, willful abuse, and cruel beating. The definition of a "responsible person" remains unchanged, but the reference to it in the context of child abuse has been updated to reflect the new terminology.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that while it may require new or increased local expenditures, it is exempt from additional requirements under Section 111.05 of the Alabama Constitution of 2022 because it defines a new crime or amends an existing one. The act is set to take effect on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26-15-3, 26-15-3, 26-15-3
Engrossed: 26-15-2, 26-15-3