If enacted, this bill would amend current statutes regarding child neglect by explicitly prohibiting the inability of a parent, guardian, or custodian to provide a child with supervision, clothing, food, shelter, or medical care solely due to a lack of financial resources from being classified as neglect. This change would be reflected in the definition of neglect, which currently states that such inability or unwillingness must cause substantial risk of serious harm to the child's health or welfare. The bill would modify this definition to clarify that financial constraints should not be considered a basis for neglect.

Additionally, the bill would make technical changes to the existing language and ensure that the new provisions become effective on the general effective date. The current statute's exceptions regarding the inability to meet the needs of a disabled or chronically ill child due to a lack of reasonable services would remain unchanged. Overall, the bill aims to provide greater protection for parents facing financial hardships, ensuring that they are not penalized for circumstances beyond their control.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-201
Senate Engrossed Version: 8-201, 8-201.01, 13-1404, 13-1405, 13-1406, 13-1410, 13-3552, 13-3553, 13-3608, 13-3212, 13-3401, 8-327, 13-501, 13-3903, 13-4261, 13-3623, 13-3601, 13-1417, 8-455, 13-706, 32-3201, 15-803, 13-3620, 13-3551, 13-1401, 13-1411, 13-3507, 8-521.02, 8-456, 8-471