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, and establish penalties for knowingly filing false reports, including misdemeanor charges and civil liability. Additionally, professionals who fail to report suspected abuse or neglect will not be granted immunity from civil or criminal liability. The bill also revises the definition of "pregnancy-related death" to encompass deaths from any cause related to or aggravated by pregnancy, thereby enhancing accountability in reporting and improving maternal health oversight.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new members to the maternal mortality review committee, including representatives from the Division for Children, Youth and Families and the Department of Corrections, and removes term limits for committee members. It emphasizes the confidentiality of the committee's proceedings and mandates comprehensive reviews of maternal mortality cases. The bill also addresses electric vehicle charging stations by defining them, establishing a licensing fee, and creating a new position for registered electric vehicle service technicians. 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