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 in the context of child neglect. A "deadly weapon" is defined as an 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 identifying situations of neglect related to weapon access, thereby strengthening the legal framework for protecting children from potential harm.

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