The bill amends the definition of "neglected child" within the Abuse and Neglect Act to include specific circumstances where a child has unsupervised access to a firearm or other deadly weapon. The new language specifies that a child is considered neglected if their parent, guardian, or custodian negligently allows them access to such weapons while not under the supervision of an adult authorized by the parent or guardian. This addition aims to enhance child safety by addressing the risks associated with firearms and deadly weapons in the home.

Additionally, the bill introduces definitions for "deadly weapon" and "firearm," clarifying what constitutes these terms within the context of the law. A "deadly weapon" is defined as any object or device likely to cause great bodily harm or death, while a "firearm" is described as a weapon designed to expel a projectile through an explosion. These definitions are intended to provide clearer guidelines for law enforcement and child welfare agencies when assessing situations involving children and access to potentially dangerous items.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 32A-4-2