The proposed bill would amend current statutes regarding child neglect by adding a new provision that explicitly states a parent, guardian, or custodian cannot be deemed to have abused or neglected a child solely due to their inability to provide necessary supervision, food, clothing, shelter, or medical care when this inability is a result of a lack of financial resources. This addition aims to protect individuals from being charged with neglect under circumstances where financial constraints are the primary issue.

In addition to this new insertion, the bill also makes minor technical changes to existing language, ensuring clarity and consistency within the statute. The current provisions regarding the circumstances under which a parent may be considered to have abused or neglected a child remain unchanged, except for the new language that provides this financial resources exception.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-201
House Engrossed Version: 8-201.01