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 to ensure children are not unlawfully denied access to their parents and outlines the role of law enforcement in assisting parents facing custody interference.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for emergency hearings in custody disputes, enhances the responsibilities of the Children and Youth Cabinet, and establishes new definitions and penalties related to domestic violence and custody interference. It emphasizes the importance of considering evidence of domestic violence when determining parental responsibilities and time-sharing arrangements, and it mandates the appointment of guardians ad litem for children in verified abuse cases. The bill also reinforces parental rights in educational settings, ensuring parents are notified about their child's health unless disclosure could lead to abuse. Overall, HB 193 aims to strengthen legal protections for children and improve accountability among those involved in child welfare.

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