House Bill 193, known as the "Child Safety and Custody Compliance Act," seeks to enhance child welfare in Florida by amending various statutes related to child protection and custody arrangements. The bill revises definitions for "abuse" and "false report," establishes accountability measures for Child Protection Team investigators, and requires the Department of Children and Families to verify and enforce parenting plans during investigations. It mandates closer scrutiny of anonymous reports of child abuse, removes the presumption of good faith for such reports, and introduces criminal penalties for investigators who fail to perform their duties. The bill also expands the responsibilities of the department regarding custody arrangements, ensuring children are not unlawfully denied access to their parents and that ambiguities in custody plans are addressed.

Additionally, the bill modifies the structure and responsibilities of the Children and Youth Cabinet, requiring quarterly meetings and public reporting. It emphasizes law enforcement's role in enforcing custody arrangements and includes provisions for emergency hearings in custody disputes. The bill establishes penalties for knowingly making false reports and expands the definition of interference with custody, allowing for felony charges against individuals who unlawfully take or entice a minor. It also clarifies defenses for interference with custody in cases involving domestic violence. Overall, HB 193 aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding child welfare and custody issues, ensuring the protection of minors and their custodians while enhancing accountability within child protection services.

Statutes affected:
H 193 Filed: 39.201, 39.206, 39.301, 61.046, 402.57, 683.23, 741.28, 787.01, 787.03, 827.03, 61.45, 921.0022