The bill establishes a statewide central registry for substantiated reports of child abuse or neglect, streamlining the process by removing the requirement for notice and a hearing before an individual can be included in the registry. Instead, the department will investigate reports and determine substantiation based on a preponderance of evidence. The legislation introduces new definitions for "substantiated," "unfounded," and "unsubstantiated" determinations, clarifying the categorization of child abuse or neglect cases. Additionally, it mandates annual reporting to the legislature on statistics related to the registry, including the number of individuals listed and expungement requests.

Furthermore, the bill outlines procedures for individuals in the registry to request expungement of their names, detailing the criteria for good cause and the review process involving the department and potential court involvement. It emphasizes the importance of confidentiality for individuals involved in these cases, while allowing for necessary disclosures under specific conditions. Significant deletions from current law include the removal of provisions regarding the disclosure of records to various entities, reinforcing the focus on maintaining confidentiality. The effective date for the implementation of this act is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_1(1): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_1(2): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_1(3): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_1: 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_2(1): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_2(10): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_2(11): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_2(12): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_2(13): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_2(14): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_2(2): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_2(3): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_2(4): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_2(5): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_2(6): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_2(7): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_2(8): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_2(9): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_2: 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_3(1): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_3(10): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_3(11): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_3(12): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_3(2): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_3(3): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_3(4): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_3(5): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_3(6): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_3(7): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_3(8): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_3(9): 41-3-202, 41-3-205
SB0468_3: 41-3-202, 41-3-205