The bill, HB 243-FN, amends existing laws related to the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect, as well as the structure and function of the maternal mortality review panel, which is renamed the maternal mortality review committee. Key changes include the insertion of provisions that allow reports of suspected abuse to include the name and contact information of the reporter, establish penalties for knowingly filing false reports, and create a private right of action for civil damages against individuals who make false reports. Additionally, the bill clarifies that immunity from liability does not apply to mandatory reporters who fail to report or who knowingly file false reports.

The bill also revises the membership and administration of the maternal mortality review committee, adding representatives from the Division for Children, Youth and Families and the Department of Corrections, while removing term limits for committee members. It emphasizes the confidentiality of the committee's proceedings and mandates comprehensive reviews of maternal mortality cases. Furthermore, the bill introduces regulations for electric vehicle charging stations, including a licensing fee and the establishment of a new position for a registered electric vehicle service technician. The effective date for certain sections is set for July 1, 2025, while the remainder of the act takes effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 169-C:30
As Amended by the Senate: 169-C:30, 132:29, 132:30, 132:31, 438:1, 438:10-a, 438:14-a