This bill amends existing New Jersey law regarding penalties for failing to report child abuse and for non-cooperation with child abuse investigations. Specifically, it upgrades the penalty for individuals who knowingly fail to report an act of child abuse from a disorderly persons offense to a crime of the fourth degree, which carries a potential incarceration of up to 18 months and fines up to $10,000. Additionally, the bill raises the penalty for failing to report an act of sexual abuse against a child from a crime of the fourth degree to a crime of the third degree, which is punishable by three to five years of incarceration and fines up to $15,000.

Furthermore, the bill introduces 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 enforcement of child protection laws and ensure that individuals fulfill their responsibilities in reporting and cooperating with investigations related to child abuse and neglect.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 9:6-8.14