HB2215 Summary

• Increases criminal penalties for knowingly and willfully violating child abuse and neglect reporting requirements under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

• First violation changed from Class A misdemeanor to Class 4 felony; second or subsequent violation changed from Class 4 felony to Class 3 felony.

• Violations occurring as part of a plan or scheme to prevent discovery of abuse by authorities and protect persons from arrest or prosecution are charged as Class 3 felony for first offense and Class 2 felony for second or subsequent offense.

• Applies to mandated reporters (physicians, nurses, teachers, social workers, law enforcement, and other specified professionals) who fail to report suspected child abuse or neglect.