Bill Summary

by Sirois

Reports of Child Abuse, Abandonment, or Neglect: Requires central abuse hotline to electronically transfer certain reports to appropriate county sheriff's office or local law enforcement agency; requires certain persons to report certain knowledge or suspicion to central abuse hotline; requires central abuse hotline to accept certain reports & immediately notify DCF to ensure that onsite protective investigation is promptly initiated; creates rebuttable presumption; provides methods to rebut such presumption; requires department to maintain specified record; prohibits department from returning child to custody of child's parent unless certain actions are taken & determinations are made by court. Effective Date: July 1, 2026

Committee references not assigned.