The bill amends the Child Maltreatment Act to clarify reporting procedures and responsibilities regarding alleged victims who are eighteen years of age or older. It prohibits anonymous reporting to the Child Abuse Hotline and establishes that reports involving such victims must be documented and referred to local law enforcement if the victim is enrolled in high school or in the extended foster care program. Additionally, the bill modifies the penalties and statute of limitations for mandated reporters who fail to report child maltreatment, allowing prosecution to commence up to ten years after the victim turns eighteen or based on the underlying offense's limitation period.

Key changes include the addition of new provisions that specify who qualifies as a mandated reporter, including individuals who observe abuse or exploitation of a child. The bill also redefines the penalties for unlawful disclosure of information under the Child Maltreatment Act, changing it from a Class A misdemeanor to an unclassified misdemeanor with a potential fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to one year. Furthermore, it clarifies the procedures for closing investigations by the Department of Human Services, ensuring that cases based on anonymous reports are handled appropriately.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1560 Original - 3-6-2023 03:22 PM: 12-18-302(d), 12-18-303(e), 12-18-601(b)
Old version HB1560 V2 - 3-16-2023 10:22 AM: 5-1-109(a), 5-1-109(b), 12-18-201, 12-18-202, 12-18-205(b), 12-18-302(b), 12-18-303(e), 12-18-402(b), 12-18-601(b)
HB 1560: 5-1-109(a), 5-1-109(b), 12-18-201, 12-18-202, 12-18-205(b), 12-18-302(b), 12-18-303(e), 12-18-402(b), 12-18-601(b)
Act 727: 5-1-109(a), 5-1-109(b), 12-18-201, 12-18-202, 12-18-205(b), 12-18-302(b), 12-18-303(e), 12-18-402(b), 12-18-601(b)