AR HB1940

Amends Arkansas Code § 12-18-304 to replace terminology of "physical abuse" with "child maltreatment" throughout the statute governing Child Abuse Hotline reporting requirements.

Establishes specific intentional or knowing acts that qualify for hotline reports, including throwing, kicking, burning, biting, cutting, striking with closed fist, shaking children 4 years or older, and striking children 7 years or older on face or head.

Requires reports involving bruises within the past 14 days to be corroborated before determination of truth, and establishes criteria for reporting injuries from restraints, breathing interference, and genital area injuries.

Prohibits the Child Abuse Hotline from accepting reports of environmental neglect related to head lice unless the lice is chronic or victim has sores requiring immediate medical attention.

Prohibits the Child Abuse Hotline from accepting educational neglect reports from schools unless the school has complied with § 6-18-222.