HB2749 Summary

• Redefines "imminent harm" in the Child Protective Act to require visible, specific, and articulable evidence that a child is at risk of serious bodily injury or death, plus a determination that no less restrictive alternative would protect the child.

• Requires police officers assuming protective custody of a child to submit a written report within 24 hours to the department articulating the imminent harm observed.

• Requires the department to obtain the police officer's initial report and provide parents with a copy of it when notifying them of actions taken, unless doing so would endanger another person.

• Limits the department's ability to assume temporary foster custody without parental consent or a court order, instead requiring the department to either return the child within three days, secure voluntary placement, or file a petition with the court.

• Clarifies that the department may only assume temporary foster custody if there is parental consent or a court order has been issued for child removal.