HB 1164

Bill Subjects

Agencies; Department Of Child Services (Dcs) Children And Minors; Crimes Against Children Health Care Facilities; Generally Law Enforcement; Municipal Schools; Athletics Schools; Generally

Abstract

Provides that certain individuals at least 18 years of age but less than 21 years of age are included in the definitions for "child", "child abuse or neglect", and "victim of child abuse or neglect". Requires the department of child services to initiate an onsite assessment within 24 hours if a report alleges child abuse or neglect involving a residential facility licensed by the department. Provides that staff members of a medical institution, a medical facility, or any other health care facility have a duty to report child abuse immediately to both the department of child services and the local law enforcement agency. Provides that an individual's duty to report is nondelegable. Requires that if a report alleges that a staff member, youth coach, or volunteer is the abuser, local law enforcement shall investigate to determine whether the school or athletic facility reasonably should have known that the alleged abuse was happening. Allows local law enforcement to consider certain facts when determining whether the school or athletic facility reasonably should have known about the alleged abuse. Raises the penalty for failure to report to a Class A misdemeanor. (Under current law, it is a Class B misdemeanor.) Makes conforming changes.