This bill amends the reporting requirements for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) regarding cases of child abuse or neglect. It mandates that the DHHS must verbally report any complaints of crime, abuse, or neglect involving children under 18 years of age directly to an on-duty law enforcement officer in the community where the alleged acts occurred. The bill specifies that the report must be made immediately, either by telephone or in person, and requires a written report to be submitted to the law enforcement agency within 48 hours. Additionally, it clarifies that law enforcement should not depend on the DHHS to gather information for their investigations unless such reliance is dictated by established protocols.

Furthermore, the bill expands the circumstances under which law enforcement personnel and trained caseworkers can enter public places, such as schools and childcare agencies, to conduct interviews with children without needing parental consent or notification. The definitions of abuse and neglect have been updated, including specific language regarding physical injuries and sexual exploitation. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is noted to have no fiscal impact on state, county, or local expenditures or revenue.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 169-C:38
As Amended by the House: 169-C:38