SPONSOR: Jones (88)
This bill requires animal control officers and animal humane investigators to be mandated reporters in cases of abuse and neglect of children, the elderly, and other vulnerable persons.
The bill requires animal control officers and animal humane investigators to receive 1.5 hours of training within the first 60 days of employment to recognize the signs of abuse or neglect in children, the elderly, and vulnerable persons, while certain professionals who offer support or advocacy services for children in foster care, Children's Division personnel, and protective services employees with direct contact with children, the elderly, and vulnerable persons will be required to receive 1.5 hours of training within the first 60 days of employment to recognize the signs of abuse or neglect in animals.
This bill creates a mandated reporting requirement for certain mental health, educational, protective services, and law enforcement personnel to report cases of animal abuse or neglect to a hotline established by the Missouri Animal Control Association (MACA). MACA must provide the report of abuse or neglect to any duly-authorized law enforcement official and, if appropriate, a county or municipal animal control officer or an animal cruelty investigator. If the mandated reporter is an employee of an agency or political subdivision of the State and fails to make a report as required under this provision, the employer must send a written notice to the employee noting the failure and provide a reminder of the requirements of reporting animal abuse or neglect. Additionally, a mandated reporter who fails to make a report will be subject to discipline by his or her professional licensing board, as well as a fine, as described in the bill.
This bill is similar to HB 1298 (2025).
Statutes affected: