The bill amends section 39.201 of the Florida Statutes to enhance the reporting and investigation processes related to child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. It requires the central abuse hotline to electronically transfer reports of child abuse to the appropriate county sheriff's office or local law enforcement agency. Additionally, it mandates that individuals who suspect a child has been born to a parent with another child in the custody of the Department of Children and Families must report this information to the hotline. The hotline is also tasked with accepting these reports and ensuring that an onsite protective investigation is promptly initiated.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that a child born to a parent with another child in custody is in immediate danger of abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Parents can rebut this presumption by providing evidence of their participation in required services. If the presumption is not rebutted and a child is taken into custody, the bill stipulates that the child cannot be returned to the parent's custody until specific conditions are met, including the appointment of a guardian ad litem and a thorough protective investigation. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 153 Filed: 39.201