HB 2786

Abstract

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Permits school-aged children under the age of 18 to use the statewide toll-free telephone number established under the Act to report alleged incidents of bullying or hazing that occur at their school. Provides that children who report an alleged incident of bullying or hazing to the statewide toll-free telephone number may remain anonymous. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to provide callers with information on how to handle an alleged incident of bullying or hazing, which may include a list of available resources developed or provided by other federal or State agencies concerning bullying or hazing prevention. Provides that upon receipt of a child's report of bullying or hazing, the Department shall report the incident as soon as possible to the superintendent of the school district in which the child resides or, if the child attends a non-public school, the administrator of the non-public school. Provides that reports of bullying or hazing made to the statewide toll-free telephone number shall not initiate a child abuse or neglect investigation under the Act. Requires the Department to (i) inform all school districts and non-public schools of the statewide toll-free telephone number and its function to receive reports of bullying or hazing and (ii) post on its website, in a relevant and conspicuous place, information on how a child can report an alleged incident of bullying or hazing to the statewide toll-free telephone number. Fiscal Note (Dept. of Children & Family Services) The Department estimates a minimum annual fiscal impact to the Department of Children & Family Services of $257,490 to comply with HB 2786.