HB 3071

Abstract

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012 concerning child abandonment. Provides that a person also commits child abandonment when he or she, as a parent, guardian, or other person having physical custody or control of a child, without regard for the mental or physical health, safety, or welfare of that child, knowingly leaves that child who is under 7 years of age or who is under 18 and has been found to have special needs, either physical or mental in nature, without supervision by a responsible person over the age of 14 for a period of 2 hours or more. Provides that the offense is also committed when a parent, guardian, or other person having physical custody or control of a child, without regard for the mental or physical health, safety, or welfare of that child, knowingly leaves that child who is at least 7 years of age and under the age of 10 without supervision by a responsible person over the age of 14 for a period of 8 hours or more. Establishes additional factors which the trier of fact shall consider in determining whether the child was left without regard for the mental or physical health, safety, or welfare of that child.