Bill > SB704

This bill modifies Missouri's child protection laws in several key ways. It expands reporting requirements for child abuse and neglect, ensuring that various professionals like healthcare workers, educators, and law enforcement personnel are obligated to immediately report suspected abuse. The bill adds a significant provision that protects parents from being entered into a child abuse registry or investigated solely for refusing to affirm or assist with a child's gender transition or for not recognizing a child's sexual orientation that differs from their biological sex. The bill also updates definitions and penalties related to child endangerment and abuse, creating specific circumstances that could result in different felony classifications depending on the severity of the offense. For instance, child abuse could be classified as a class D, class B, or class A felony based on factors like the child's age, the type of injury, and whether sexual abuse was involved. Additionally, the bill clarifies that reasonable discipline, such as spanking, does not constitute abuse, and it provides some protections for religious beliefs in medical treatment decisions. The legislation aims to balance child protection with parental rights, particularly in contexts involving gender identity and sexual orientation.

Health and Social Services

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=4845589