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 supervision. This addition aims to enhance child safety by recognizing the potential dangers associated with firearms and deadly weapons in the absence of adult supervision.

Additionally, the bill introduces definitions for "firearm" and "deadly weapon," clarifying what constitutes these terms in the context of child neglect. A "firearm" is defined as any weapon designed to expel a projectile through an explosion, while a "deadly weapon" is described as an object likely to cause great bodily harm or death. These changes reflect a legislative effort to address the risks posed to children by firearms and to ensure that the law adequately protects children from potential harm in situations involving unsupervised access to such weapons.

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