Bill > HB430

This bill reduces the retention period for records of unfounded abuse and neglect reports by the Department of Health and Human Services from 10 years to 3 years. Currently, when the department receives a report of potential child abuse or neglect that is ultimately determined to be unfounded, they keep those records for 10 years. Under this proposed legislation, they would only retain such records for 3 years. If during this 3-year period (instead of the current 10-year period) a subsequent report is received about the same alleged perpetrator, child, or household, the department can retain the information for an additional 3 years. The bill maintains the existing policy that reports deemed "founded" or "unfounded but with reasonable concern" will be kept indefinitely. The department is still permitted to keep generic, non-identifying information for state and federal reporting purposes. The legislation will take effect 60 days after its passage, providing a short transition period for the department to adjust its record-keeping practices.

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https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0473&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB430