summary
Introduced
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
In Committee
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Credible Evidence Verification Act. Provides that at an adjudicatory hearing for an abused or neglected minor, the court shall make a specific finding on whether the Department of Children and Family Services' indicated report of abuse or neglect is supported by credible evidence. Provides that if the court finds that credible evidence does not exist, then: (1) the indicated report shall be reversed and deemed "unfounded"; (2) the Department of Children and Family Services shall correct the Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System database within 7 days; (3) the Department of Children and Family Services shall notify the subject in writing of the reversal; (4) the Department of Children and Family Services shall notify any employer or licensing agency known to have received the indication; and (5) the subject shall receive a certified order that the subject is eligible for employment and licensure in occupations involving the care or education of minors under 18 years of age. Provides that the court may issue a contempt citation to the Department of Children and Family Services for failure of the Department to comply with this provision. Contains a findings provision. Effective January 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill, also known as the Credible Evidence Verification Act, amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 to require courts to specifically determine if there is credible evidence supporting a finding of abuse or neglect by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) during an adjudicatory hearing for an abused or neglected minor. If the court finds that credible evidence does not exist, the indicated report of abuse or neglect will be reversed and considered "unfounded." Consequently, DCFS must correct its Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System database within seven days, notify the subject in writing of the reversal, and inform any known employers or licensing agencies that received the original indication. The subject will also receive a certified order confirming their eligibility for employment and licensure in occupations involving the care or education of minors under 18. The bill also allows the court to issue a contempt citation against DCFS for failing to comply with these provisions, and it will take effect on January 1, 2027.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 01/14/2026)
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...