Connecticut Senate Bill SB01225

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/25/11
• Refer: 3/25/11

Caption

An Act Concerning False Reports Of Child Abuse Or Neglect.

Impact

One of the significant impacts of SB01225 is that it grants immunity to individuals or entities that report suspected abuse under the specified conditions, protecting them from civil or criminal liability. Additionally, if an individual is found to have made three unsubstantiated reports, the bill mandates an investigation into that individual's reporting history. If false reporting is confirmed, the identity of the individual making such reports can be disclosed to law enforcement and the accused party, driving home the seriousness of this issue.

Summary

SB01225, titled 'An Act Concerning False Reports of Child Abuse or Neglect', seeks to amend existing laws related to the reporting and investigation of child abuse and neglect allegations. The bill establishes measures to protect those who report suspected abuse in good faith while imposing penalties on individuals who knowingly make false reports. This legislative action aims to balance the need for vigilant child protection with the intent to mitigate the risks of malicious or unfounded accusations.

Contention

Discussions around SB01225 highlight several points of contention. Supporters argue that it reinforces the commitment to protecting children without enabling misuse of the reporting system, while opponents express concerns that overly stringent measures could deter genuine reports of abuse. Critics might also worry about the potential for misuse of the investigation process, fearing it could lead to a chilling effect on those who wish to report suspected abuse for fear of repercussions.