The bill amends the Child Protection Law to enhance definitions and procedures related to child abuse and neglect cases. Key updates include clarifying terms such as "adult foster care location authorized to care for a child," "central registry," and "confirmed case," while defining a "child" as anyone under 18 years of age. It introduces new responsibilities for the Department of Health and Human Services, particularly in maintaining a statewide electronic case management system. The bill also outlines the classification process for serious abuse or neglect cases as central registry cases and establishes the rights of individuals named in these cases to request amendments or expungements of their records. Additionally, it modifies the notification process for individuals on the central registry, ensuring they are informed of their rights regarding expunction and hearings.

Moreover, the bill introduces significant changes to the central registry procedures, establishing a presumption that individuals listed pose a risk to children, which they must counter to have their information expunged. It clarifies that the facts leading to an individual's placement on the registry are not subject to review, while expanding the definition of "reliable information" to include data from the Social Security death index. The bill mandates timely reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect to law enforcement and emphasizes cooperation during investigations. It also includes provisions for an automated system to facilitate background checks for child-related employment or volunteer positions. Additionally, the bill allows child protective services to report parents who make multiple unfounded reports of abuse or neglect and requires the department to inform noncustodial parents of their rights regarding custody modifications in cases of suspected abuse or neglect.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 722.622