The "Child Safety and Custody Compliance Act," also known as HB 193, seeks to enhance child welfare in Florida by revising definitions related to child abuse and false reporting, and clarifying the responsibilities of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Child Protection Team investigators. The bill mandates that DCF verify parenting plans or court-ordered custody arrangements during investigations involving parents or guardians in separate households. It introduces criminal penalties for willful non-compliance by investigators and requires the department to report violations to law enforcement. Additionally, the bill modifies the handling of anonymous reports of child abuse, expanding the circumstances under which fines can be imposed for false reporting and clarifying definitions of "abuse" and "false report."

Moreover, HB 193 enhances the enforcement of custody arrangements by requiring law enforcement assistance in cases of custody interference and mandates schools to enforce parenting plans. It establishes a rebuttable presumption against shared parental responsibility in cases involving domestic violence and outlines specific behaviors that constitute interference with custody. The bill also introduces new responsibilities for schools regarding custody agreements and reinforces parental rights in health-related decisions for their children. Overall, the act aims to strengthen accountability and enforcement mechanisms within the child welfare system, ensuring the safety and welfare of minors while addressing issues of custody and abuse. The provisions are set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

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