HB 5429 Summary

• Raises the burden of proof in child abuse and neglect investigations from "reasonable cause" to "beyond a reasonable doubt" when the Commissioner of Children and Families determines whether a child has been abused or neglected under section 17a-101g.

• Changes the burden of proof at hearings for child abuse and neglect registry placement from "fair preponderance of the evidence" to "beyond a reasonable doubt" under section 17a-101k.

• Raises the burden of proof for terminating parental rights from "clear and convincing evidence" to "beyond a reasonable doubt" in both consent-based and non-consensual termination proceedings under section 45a-717.

• Increases the burden of proof in neglect and dependency petitions from "reasonable cause to believe" to "beyond a reasonable doubt" for emergency removal and temporary custody orders under section 46b-129.

• Changes the burden of proof for adjudicating children from families with service needs and for violating court orders from "clear and convincing evidence" to "beyond a reasonable doubt" under sections 46b-149 and 46b-149f.

• All changes are effective October 1, 2010.