summary
Introduced
01/22/2026
01/22/2026
In Committee
02/11/2026
02/11/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. In the definition of "abused child", changes the list of persons who may be considered a perpetrator of abuse to include a child's parent, a parent's paramour, or any other person 14 years of age or older who is either responsible for the child's welfare, is an immediate family member, or resides in the same home as the child. Provides that, if the Department of Children and Family Services does not accept an abuse or neglect report for investigation on the sole basis that the alleged perpetrator is another person in the household under the age of 14, then the Department shall consider if there is reasonable cause to suspect that the alleged maltreatment is the result of blatant disregard on the part of an adult or agency who is an eligible perpetrator. Provides that, if so, the Department shall accept a report alleging abuse or neglect identifying the adult or agency as the alleged perpetrator. Permits the Department to also consider whether a child welfare service referral would be appropriate.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act to broaden the definition of who can be considered a perpetrator of child abuse. Previously, the law focused on individuals responsible for a child's welfare or those residing in the home. Now, it explicitly includes a child's parent, a parent's paramour, or any other person aged 14 or older who is responsible for the child's welfare, is an immediate family member, or lives in the same home as the child. A significant change is that if the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) declines to investigate a report solely because the alleged perpetrator is under 14 years old, the department must now consider if an adult or agency with "blatant disregard" (meaning a clear and obvious disregard for the child's safety) is responsible for the maltreatment. If so, the DCFS must accept the report, identifying the adult or agency as the perpetrator, and may also consider referring the case for child welfare services.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
House Adoption & Child Welfare Committee Hearing (14:00:00 2/24/2026 Room 122) (on 02/24/2026)
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...