Missouri 2024 Regular Session

Missouri House Bill HB2690

Introduced
2/13/24  

Caption

Establishes and modifies provisions relating to child abuse or neglect

Impact

The enactment of HB2690 is expected to have significant implications for state laws concerning child welfare and protection. By mandating specific actions from child protective services and establishing stronger guidelines for intervention, the bill is designed to close existing gaps in the current system. Furthermore, this legislation aims to enhance accountability among state agencies responsible for safeguarding children's welfare, thereby fostering a more responsive and effective child protection system. The focus on inter-agency collaboration also aims to streamline efforts to support at-risk families and improve overall outcomes for children.

Summary

House Bill 2690 aims to establish and modify provisions related to child abuse and neglect. This legislation seeks to strengthen the legal framework surrounding the detection, reporting, and response to incidents of child abuse and neglect, thereby enhancing protections for vulnerable children within the state. The bill outlines clearer definitions of various forms of abuse and neglect and establishes procedures that state agencies must follow to ensure a coordinated response to reported cases. Additionally, HB2690 emphasizes the importance of providing appropriate support services to families involved, aiming to prevent future occurrences of abuse and neglect.

Contention

However, discussions surrounding HB2690 have highlighted notable points of contention. Critics of the bill have expressed concerns about the adequacy of resources allocated to implement these new provisions effectively. There is also apprehension regarding the potential for increased state involvement in family matters, which may be seen as an overreach by some community advocates. Additionally, implications for privacy and due process rights have sparked debates about how these new regulations might affect families involved in child welfare cases. Stakeholders have called for ongoing assessments of the bill's impacts to ensure that it meets its objective without infringing on family rights.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MO HB355

Modifies and establishes provisions relating to the protection of children

MO HB932

Modifies provisions relating to compensation for victims of crime

MO HB1266

Establishes provisions relating to child abuse or neglect investigations

MO HB367

Modifies provisions relating to civil actions for childhood sexual abuse

MO SB416

Modifies provisions relating to civil actions for childhood sexual abuse

MO HB300

Modifies provisions relating to abuse or neglect reporting, including a requirement to report companion animal abuse

MO SB91

Modifies provisions relating to abuse and neglect reporting, including a requirement to report companion animal abuse

MO HB1034

Modifies provisions relating to the placement of a child

MO HB1151

Establishes and modifies provisions relating to child custody and child abductions

MO SB646

Modifies provisions relating to missing children

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.