This bill seeks to amend the criminal penalties for parents, guardians, custodians, or individuals in a position of trust who neglect a child, resulting in the child's death. Specifically, it proposes to change the current penalty structure by removing the existing fines and imprisonment range of three to fifteen years. Instead, the bill stipulates that such individuals shall be imprisoned in a state correctional facility for a minimum of ten years and a maximum of twenty years upon conviction.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that a child receiving treatment solely through spiritual means, in accordance with a recognized method of religious healing, shall not be deemed neglected solely for that reason. However, this exemption does not apply to individuals in a position of trust who have a duty to ensure the child's health and welfare. Furthermore, it establishes that a child may be considered neglected if their caregiver has obstructed medical treatment as mandated by a court order.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-8D-4a