This bill aims to amend Sections 26-15-2 and 26-15-3 of the Code of Alabama 1975 in order to further define the crime of child abuse. The bill adds a new definition for "mistreat" as any intentional behavior that inflicts unnecessary or unjustifiable pain or suffering on a child without causing physical injury. The bill also includes willful mistreatment as a form of child abuse. The bill states that a responsible person who willfully mistreats a child under the age of 18 shall be guilty of a Class C felony.

The bill clarifies the definition of child abuse to include willful mistreatment and adds a new crime of willful mistreatment to the existing law. The bill does not require any new or increased expenditure of local funds and is therefore excluded from further requirements and application under Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022. The bill will become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor or its otherwise becoming law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26-15-3, 26-15-3
Engrossed: 26-15-2, 26-15-3