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 is a significant upgrade from the previous classification as a disorderly persons offense. Additionally, the bill raises 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 carries a more severe punishment.

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 enforcement of child protection laws and ensure that individuals take their reporting responsibilities seriously. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 9:6-8.14