The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Brandi Cannon.
DIGEST
SB 63 Original 2022 Regular Session Mizell
Present law provides for reports of child abuse or neglect where the abuser is believed to be a parent
or caretaker, a person who maintains an interpersonal dating or engagement relationship with the
parent or caretaker, or a person living in the same residence with the parent or caretaker as a spouse
whether married or not to be made to the Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Further
provides that all other reports are to be made to a local or state law enforcement agency.
Proposed law retains present law and provides that if a report involves alleged sex trafficking, the
provisions of proposed law also apply.
Proposed law provides that DCFS shall identify and assess all reports of alleged abuse and neglect
involving a child known or suspected to be a victim of sex trafficking and coordinate with law
enforcement, the juvenile justice system, other state agencies, and healthcare service providers to
provide comprehensive services for children who are sex trafficking victims, regardless of whether
there is alleged parental or caretaker culpability.
Proposed law provides for required actions by DCFS when a child has been identified as a victim
of sex trafficking which include making referrals to needed services, conducting face-to-face visits
and telephone contacts with the family, and educating the parents or other caretakers about possible
high risk behaviors associated with sex trafficking victims.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends Ch. C. Art 610(A)(1); adds Ch. C. Art. 610.1)