S.B. 2245 - Child Protective Act Amendments

• Adds definition of "exigent circumstances" requiring specific, articulable evidence that immediate removal is necessary to protect a child from serious harm before a court order can be obtained.

• Redefines "harm" to reference the definition of "child abuse or neglect" in section 350-1, and amends "imminent harm" to require that no reasonable efforts other than removal will prevent the harm.

• Clarifies police authority to assume protective custody of a child with family consent, by court order, or without consent/order if exigent circumstances are present.

• Authorizes Department of Human Services to assume temporary foster custody with family consent, by court order, or without consent/order upon transfer from police if exigent circumstances exist.

• Creates judicial process allowing the department to file ex parte motions for protective custody orders without notice or hearing, with written declarations establishing reasonable cause that child is subject to imminent harm.

• Effective July 1, 2025.