HB 553-FN proposes comprehensive amendments to the definitions and criteria surrounding child abuse and neglect within the legal framework. The bill emphasizes the protection of children's physical, emotional, and psychological welfare, prioritizing their best interests in legal proceedings. Key insertions include new definitions for terms such as "psychotropic medication," "medication restraint," and "trauma-informed," which highlight the psychological aspects of child welfare. The bill also establishes a rebuttable presumption of harm based on various forms of parental misconduct, such as substance misuse and exposure to violence, while mandating trauma-informed services for affected children and families. Additionally, it introduces new criteria for neglect, including the entrustment of a child to individuals posing a risk of harm and exposure to harmful substances in utero.

The legislation also deletes outdated language and refines existing definitions to better reflect contemporary understandings of child welfare. For instance, it replaces "health" with "emotional, physical, psychological, or mental well-being" in the context of serious impairment and modifies the criteria for assessing a child's risk of harm. The bill aims to create a more supportive legal environment for children facing abuse and neglect by ensuring that definitions are comprehensive and reflective of current practices. Notably, the fiscal note indicates that the implementation of this bill will not incur additional costs, as expenses can be accommodated within existing budgets, resulting in no fiscal impact on state finances.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 169-C:2, 169-C:3, 169-C:12-f, 189:10, 632-A:10-d