Bill > S1915

This bill establishes a new criminal offense for anyone who knowingly or willfully makes a false report of child abuse or neglect, as defined by existing law (specifically referencing section 3 of P.L.1971, c.437, which outlines the procedures for reporting child abuse and neglect), and declares such an act to be a crime of the third degree, which is a serious felony offense. In addition to any other penalties a court might impose, a person convicted of this offense will also be required to pay a civil penalty of up to $10,000, with these funds going to the State Treasurer for the use of the Department of Children and Families, the state agency responsible for child welfare services.