This bill introduces new penalties for individuals who fail to cooperate with child abuse investigations and enhances the penalties for failing to report child abuse and sexual abuse. Specifically, it amends Section 7 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.14) to classify the failure to report an act of child abuse as a crime of the fourth degree, which carries a potential penalty of up to 18 months of incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000. Additionally, the bill upgrades the penalty for failing to report an act of sexual abuse against a child from a fourth-degree crime to a third-degree crime, which is punishable by three to five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $15,000.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new provision that makes it a crime of the fourth degree for any person who knowingly fails to cooperate with investigations of child abuse or neglect conducted by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency or other designated entities within the Department of Children and Families. This legislative change aims to strengthen the accountability of individuals in reporting and cooperating with child protection efforts, thereby enhancing the overall safeguarding of children in New Jersey.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 9:6-8.14