Bill > HB1189

This bill amends existing laws to provide greater transparency regarding child fatalities or near fatalities that may have resulted from abuse, abandonment, or neglect. The key provisions are: 1) The Department of Child Services (DCS) must promptly disclose certain preliminary information to the public when a child fatality or near fatality occurs, including the child's name, age, gender, county/location, and details about past abuse/neglect reports and DCS involvement. 2) If additional information is requested, DCS must consult with the county attorney to determine if release would harm a criminal investigation or prosecution before providing as much additional information as possible. 3) Individuals can seek judicial review if they believe the county attorney has not demonstrated that specific information would cause harm and DCS has wrongfully withheld it. 4) Within 90 days, DCS must provide a public summary report detailing its response and actions taken, as well as additional context about the case, such as prior DCS involvement and services provided. The goal of the bill is to increase transparency and public access to information regarding child fatalities or near fatalities that may be related to abuse or neglect.