The bill known as "Ellie's Law" aims to improve the legal protections for dependent children, particularly in situations where parents or legal custodians are incapacitated. It introduces a definition for "incapacitated parent or legal custodian" and revises legislative findings to classify parricide as a form of abuse. The bill establishes a rebuttable presumption of detriment to a child in specific circumstances, such as when a parent is arrested for violent offenses against the other parent. It also mandates specialized training for guardians ad litem and attorneys ad litem in parricide cases and requires that supervised visitations be conducted by trained professionals.

Additionally, the bill outlines new procedures for child custody and shelter placements, emphasizing the need for hearings when a parent has been arrested for certain offenses. It mandates that the Department of Children and Families conduct thorough investigations into reports of institutional child abuse, abandonment, or neglect, especially when department employees are involved. The bill also updates definitions and eligibility criteria related to child abuse and exploitation in Florida Statutes, ensuring that victims of sexual exploitation are eligible for awards and aligning the definition of neglect with the updated statute. The provisions of the act are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 499 Filed: 39.401, 39.302, 394.495, 934.255, 960.065, 984.03