HB120 (2005) Detail

Relative to the definition of child abuse and the identity of a person filing a report of suspected child abuse.


HB 120 – AS INTRODUCED

2005 SESSION

05-0270

05/09

HOUSE BILL 120

AN ACT relative to the definition of child abuse and the identity of a person filing a report of suspected child abuse.

SPONSORS: Rep. L. Christiansen, Hills 27

COMMITTEE: Children and Family Law

ANALYSIS

This bill provides that a finding of child abuse based on physical injury by other than accidental means also requires a finding that the circumstances threatened the child’s life, health, or welfare.

The bill also requires a person who files a report of suspected child abuse to identify himself or herself.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

05-0270

05/09

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Five

AN ACT relative to the definition of child abuse and the identity of a person filing a report of suspected child abuse.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Child Protection Act; Definition of an Abused Child. Amend RSA 169-C:3, II(d) to read as follows:

(d) Physically injured by other than accidental means under circumstances that indicate harm or threaten harm to the child’s life, health, or welfare.

2 Child Protection Act; Identity of Person Filing Report of Suspected Child Abuse. Amend RSA  169-C:30 to read as follows:

169-C:30 Nature and Content of Report. An oral report shall be made immediately by telephone or otherwise, and followed within 48 hours by a report in writing, if so requested, to the department. Such report shall, if known, contain the name and address of the child suspected of being neglected or abused and the person responsible for the child’s welfare, the specific information indicating neglect or the nature and extent of the child’s injuries (including any evidence of previous injuries), the identity of the person or persons suspected of being responsible for such neglect or abuse, and any other information that might be helpful in establishing neglect or abuse or that may be required by the department. The report shall include the name and address of the person or persons filing the report of suspected child abuse or neglect.

3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2006.