HB 16-1377 Summary

• Creates a Task Force on the Collection and Security of Digital Images of Evidence of Child Abuse or Neglect to study current practices and recommend best practices for documenting suspected child abuse or neglect through digital imagery.

• Task force membership limited to 21 members appointed by the Governor (5), Speaker of House (5), President of Senate (5), plus representatives from State Department of Human Services, Child Protection Ombudsman, Attorney General, District Attorneys' Council, and child advocacy offices.

• Requires task force to study how government employees collect, maintain, and disseminate digital images of children, including private areas, and whether current statutes balance evidence collection with privacy rights of parents and children.

• Task force must submit initial written report by December 1, 2017 and final report by December 1, 2018 to the Governor, legislature, and relevant state agencies with recommendations for administrative and legislative changes.

• Part 8 is repealed effective July 1, 2019, making this a temporary task force with a defined two-year study period.